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THE 


COMPLETE  HERBALIST; 

OB,    THE 

PEOPLE  THEIK  OWN  PHYSICIANS, 

BY  THE   USE  01" 

NATURE'S  REMEDIES; 


DESCRTBING   THB 


GREAT  CURATIVE   PROPERTIES  FOUND  IN  THE 
HERBAL   KINGDOM. 


A  NEW  AND  PLAIN  SYSTEM  OF  HYGIENIC  PRINCIPLES.  TOGETHER  WITH 

COMPREHENSIVE  ESSAYS  ON  SEXUAL  PHILOSOPHIT, 

MARRIAGE,  DIVORCE,  &o. 


By  Dr.  O.  PHELPS  BROWN. 


PRICE,  TWO  DOIiLABS. 


PUBLISHED     BY     THE    AUTHOR, 

JERSEY   CITY,  N.  J. 

1878. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1872,  by 
Db.  0.  THELPS  BRO^VN, 
In  the  office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress  at  Washington. 


.,^< 


\r-^(^Ji_ 


F 


f^mmM 


A   BRIEF   HISTORY   OF   MEDICINE. 


In  presenting  this  work  on  Crude  Organic  Remedies — the  Constit- 
uents of  Plants,  and  their  Officinal  Preparations — I  do  not  propose  to 
"run  a  tilt"  against  any  of  the  systems  of  Medical  Practice,  however 
much  some  of  thera  may  be  opposed  to  common  sense  and  reason,  and 
to  the  Divine  ordinances  of  Nature  ;  nor  shall  I  treat  with  contempt 
the  teachings  and  practices  of  great  and  wonderful  names,  or  oppose 
the  pride,  interest,  expectation,  and  conscientious  convictions  of  a 
learned,  honorable,  and  inlluential  profession ;  my  object  is  simply  to 
present  many  new  and  curious,  if  not  startling  facts,  not  only  weU 
worthy  of  the  earnest  consideration  of  the  more  intelligent  portion  of 
the  community,  who  demand  reasons  the  most  profound  to  lead  them 
to  conviction  of  a  Truth,  but  of  the  great  mass  of  humbler  people, 
who  desire,  amid  all  the  great  Reforms  in  human  society,  above  all 
things  to  secure  a  "  sound  mind  in  a  sound  body"  and  to  feel  something 
of  that  exalted  state  of  happiness  which  alone  can  arise  from  the  posses- 
sion of  the  most  robust  and  rubicund  physical  and  moral  Health. 

It  must  be  palpable  to  every  thinking  mind  that  Therapeutical  and 
Pharmaceutical  science  is  the  very  foundation  of  the  "  HEALraG  Art 
Divine."  In  the  language  of  Holy  Writ,  "  The  Lord  Jms  created  medi- 
cines out  oftlie  earthy  and  he  that  is  wise  will  not  abJior  them.''''* 

Yea,  happy  he  that  can  the  knowledge  Rain, 

To  know  the  Eternal  God  made  naught  in  vain." 

The  use  of  medicine  is  no  doubt  coincident  with  the  History  of  the 
Human  Race  ;  but  writers  generally  agree  that  medicine  first  became  a 
profession  among  the  Egyptians.     The  priests  o^  the  earUer  natioaa 

Ecolesiaates  zsxvlii,  4. 


4  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

were  the  practitioners  of  the  Healing  Art,  but  it  does  not  seem  that 
women  were  excluded  from  the  right  of  administering  medicine  for  the 
pui-pose  of  healing  the  sick,  since  mention  is  made  of  a  certain  Queen 
Isis,  who  became  greatly  celebrated  among  them,  and  was  worshipped 
as  a  "Goddess  OF  Health."  Although  the  practitioners  among  the 
Egyptians,  Assyrians,  and  Jews  were  in  the  habit  of  employing  incan- 
tations, which,  of  course,  produced  their  good  and  bad  impressions 
through  the  medium  of  the  imagination,  yet  their  efSciency  in  curing 
diseases  was  mainly  due  to  their  knowledge  of  the  medicinal  virtues  of 
many  of  the  vegetable  products  of  Nature.  They  seemed  to  look  up  as 
high  as  the  stars  to  know  the  reason  of  the  operation  of  tlie  Herbs  in 
the  various  affections  of  the  human  race. 

Among  the  Greeks,  Hippocrates  first  caused  medicine  to  be  regarded 
as  a  science,  while  ^sculapius  was  the  first  who  made  medicine  an  ex- 
clusive study  and  practice.  His  sons,  Macilaon  and  Podalirius,  are 
celebrated  in  Homer's  "  Iliad  "  for  their  medical  skill  as  surgeons  in  the 
Greek  armies  or  during  the  Trojan  war.  Two  daughters  also  of  .^scu- 
lapius,  Panakeia  and  Hygeia,  were  no  less  distinguished  than  their 
renowned  brothers;  the  latter  being  the  inventor  of  many  valuable 
herbal  preparations,  whose  success  in  curing  diseases  won  for  her,  as  in 
the  case  of  Queen  Isis  of  Egypt,  the  proud  honor  and  deification  of  the 
Greeks  as  an  especial  "  Goddess  of  Health."  We  have  no  knowledge 
that  ^sculapius  or  his  injmediate  followers,  the  Asclepiads,  ever  con- 
ceived the  idea  of  curing  disease  by  drug  or  mineral  preparations.  Ab- 
lutions, bandages,  fomentations,  ointments,  etc.,  were  administered 
externally,  and  preparations  of  aromatic  herbs,  roots,  flowers,  balms, 
gums,  etc.,  constituted  their  whole  materia  medica  for  all  internal  ail- 
ments.' Next  the  Pythagorean  school  became  famous,  and  these  were 
the  first  to  visit  the  sick  at  their  homes. 

The  next  most  prominent  medical  practitioner  after  these  was  Hip- 
pocrates, the  "Coan  Sage,"  who,  being  one  of  the  most  sagacious, 
observing,  and  industrious  men  that  ever  lived,  was  entitled  the 
'■'■Father  of  Medicine.'''  He  traveled  much  in  foreign  co\intries,  devot- 
ing himself  with  untiling  energy  to  the  study  and  practice  of  medicine. 
His  writings  were  numerous,  and  even  to  this  day  his  doctrines  are  ex- 
tensively recognized.  His  practice  was  consistently  founded  on  the 
phenomena  of  Nature  as  exhibited  in  human  bemgs  during  health  and 
disease.  His  materia  medica  was  derived  almost  wholly  from  the  vege- 
table kingdom.  His  internal  remedies  were  purgatives,  sudorifics, 
diuretics,  and  injections,  while  his  external  were  ointments,  plasters, 
liniments,  etc.  The  great  principle  which  directed  all  his  operations 
was  the  supposed  operations  of  Nature  in  superintending  and  regulat- 
ing all  the  actions  of  the  system.  This  mode  of  practice  had  the  good 
effect  of  enabling  the  practitioner  to  make  himself  well  acquainted  with 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  O 

all  the  phenomena  of  disease,  and  thus  to  diagnosticate  correctly,  and 
to  meet  the  varied  indications  by  the  administration  of  some  7ierbal 
remedy,  which  would  induce  the  crisis  requisite  to  the  removal  of  dis- 
ease and  restoration  to  sound  or  vigorous  health. 

About  three  hundred  years  before  the  Christian  era,  the  Ptolemies 
founded  a  medical  school  in  Alexandria,  Egyj^t.  The  most  famous  of 
the  professors  were  Erasistbatus  and  Herophilus,  who  dissected 
the  bodies  of  criminals  obtained  from  government.  They  opposed 
bleeding  and  violent  remedies,  trusting  more  to  nature  than  to  art. 
Herophilus  paid  particular  attention  to  the  action  of  the  heart,  and  was 
the  first  to  give  anything  like  an  accurate  description  of  the  various 
kinds  of  pulse.,  though  Praxagoras  of  Cos,  the  last  of  the  Asclepiadas,  had 
before  observed  the  relation  which  exists  between  the  pulse  and  the 
general  condition  of  the  system.  From  that  time  to  the  present  the 
pulse  has  been,  as  it  were,  the  guide  for  determining  the  character,  ex- 
tent, and  probable  cause  of  the  disease  afflicting  the  patient,  and  the 
descriiJtion  of  treatment  required  to  produce  a  change  for  the  better.  I, 
however,  derive  great  assistance  from  the  temperament,  age,  sex,  etc. 

We  pass  over  the  days  of  the  Dogmatics  and  Empirics,  the  Pneu- 
matics, and  other  sects  of  medical  practitioners  (who,  though  they  em- 
ployed herbal  remedies  as  a  general  rule,  were  strangely  given  to  the 
promulgations  of  theories  and  doctrines  utterly  at  variance  with  the 
most  ordinaiy  ratiocinations  of  Philosophy  and  Reason),  imtil  we  come 
to  the  period  when  Galen  first  made  his  appearance,  at  the  request  of 
the  Emperor  AuiiEi,ius.  Galen  was  a  native  of  Pergamos,  bom  A.D. 
130,  having  traveled  much  and  written  largely  on  subjects  directly  or 
indirectly  connected  with  medicine  before  settling  himself  at  Rome. 
He  was  entirely  independent  in  his  opinions,  paid  very  little  respect  to 
authority,  and  so  great  was  his  learning  and  wisdom,  and  rare  skill  in 
medicine,  that  he  came  to  be  regarded  by  many  as  an  "Oracle." 
Thoroughly  educated  in  aU  the  schools  of  philosophy,  he  selected  from 
them  all  excej^tthe  Epicurean,  which  he  totally  rejected.  His  treatment 
of  disease  was  principally  by  Herbal  remedies.  From  Galen  have  sprung 
the  sect  that  is  now  generally  known  as  Eclectics,  who  do  not  confine 
remedies  exclusively  to  the  herbal  practice,  but  employ  many  of  the 
mineral  substances  upon  which  the  Allopathic  and  Homoeopathic  sys- 
tems of  medicine  of  the  present  day  are  based.  I 

About  the  middle  of  the  seventeenth  century,  on  the  death  of  Pau- 
LUS,  the  Greek  school  of  medicine  terminated,  the  Arabians  having 
conquered  a  large  portion  of  the  semi-civilized  world,  and  destroyed  an 
immense  Alexandrian  library.  The  Arabian  physicians  soon  adopted 
the  opinions  of  Galen,  but,  owing  to  the  invention  of  chemistry,  it  was 
Bpeedily  made  subservient  to  medicine.  They  produced  medical  works, 
some  of  which  have  enjoyed  gi'eat  celebrity,  without  having  really  added 


6  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

anything  substantial  to  medical  science  as  previously  understood. 
With  AvEiiROES  terminated  the  Arabic  or  Saracenic  School  of  medi- 
cine, the  great  reputation  of  which  is  mainly  owing  to  the  circumstance, 
that  from  the  eighth  to  the  twelfth  centuries,  when  all  Europe  was 
sunk  in  deep  barbarism,  the  principal  remains  of  a  taste  for  literature 
and  science  existed  among  the  Moors  and  Arabs.  Their  physicians 
added  many  vegetable  products  and  a  few  metallic  oxides  in  the  cata- 
logue of  remedies.  From  the  employment  of  chemical  and  mineral 
remedies  by  the  Arabian  physicians  may  be  dated  the  disastrous  conse- 
quences of  medical  science  that  were  subsequently  inaugurated  by  that 
Prince  of  Quacks — Par.\celsus. 

After  the  Arabians,  from  the  twelfth  to  the  fifteenth  century,  the 
practice  of  medicine  was  chiefly  confined  to  the  hands  of  the  priests, 
who,  being  men  of  great  learning  and  followers  of  ^sculapius,  Hippocra- 
tes, and  Galen,  became  the  principal  physicians,  and  a  little  medicine 
was  taught  in  the  monasteries  ;  for  a  long  time  the  Benedictine  monks 
of  Monte  Casino  enjoyed  in  this  respect  great  reputation.  The  Jews 
also  became  celebrated  physicians  ;  and  though  not  allowed  to  adminis- 
ter medicines  to  Christians,  yet  obtained  access  to  the  courts,  and  even 
to  the  palace  of  the  Roman  pontiffs. 

The  European  feudal  system  was  at  length  greatly  shaken  by  the 
Crusades.  Mahomet  the  second,  about  the  middle  of  the  fifteenth  cen- 
tury, captured  Constantinople,  and  soon  after  the  ruin  of  the  Byzantine 
empire  the  Reformation  occurred,  and  about  the  same  time  the  art  of 
printing  was  invented.  These  events  gave  a  powerful  impulse  to  the 
world  of  mind,  and  reawakened  investigation  into  all  the  departments  of 
science,  hterature,  and  the  arts ;  but,  although  many  works  were  writ 
ten,  very  few  facts  were  gleaned  concerning  the  physiological,  anatomi 
cal,  and  pathological  phenomena  incident  to  the  Structure,  Health,  and 
Disease  of  the  human  being. 

The  alchemic  art,  however,  was  at  length  transferred  from  Arabia 
into  European  countries,  and  medical  chairs  were  estabhshed  in  various 
Universities  on  the  continent  during  the  thirteenth  century,  and  finally 
LiNACRE,  who  had  been  educated  at  Oxford,  and  having  traveled  in  Italy, 
and  spent  some  time  at  the  court  of  Florence,  returned  to  England,  and 
Bucceeded  in  founding  medical  iirofessorships  at  Oxford  and  Cambridge, 
from  which  circumstance  was  laid  the  foundation  of  the  London  Col- 
lege of  Physicians.  Thus  chemistry,  after  having  been  employed  in 
various  pharmaceutical  processes,  was  applied  to  physiology,  pathology, 
and  therapeutics.  The  chemical  doctors  were  veiy  wild  and  extrava- 
gant in  advancing  unnatural  theories ;  but  they  had  an  ever-present 
champion  in  the  name  of  Galen,  who  was  well  entitled  to  be  called  the 
"Prince  of  Medical  Philosophers."  He  wa^  a  philosoplier — a  natural 
pliiloBopher ;  for  he  studied  Nature  closely,  deeply,  profoundly,  and  de- 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  7 

duced  his  indications  of  cure  from  an  accurate  observation  of  her  laws. 
His  system,  however,  was  destined  to  be  utterly  overthrown  by  an  ad- 
venturous vagrant,  whose  quackery  never  had  its  equal  on  earth.  This 
impudent  and  unprincipled  charlatan  was  none  other  than  Paracelsus, 
to  whom  the  medical  world  is  more  indebted  for  the  mineral  drugging 
system  than  to  all  other  physicians  who  have  ever  lived.  He  introduced 
the  mercurial  and  antimonial  practice,  which  stdl  constitutes  the  great 
strength  of  the  popidar  materia  medica  of  the  day,  and  which  also  con- 
tinues to  exhibit  its  terribly  devastating  jjower  on  all  human  constitu- 
tions that  come  under  its  sway  or  induence.  In  the  fulness  of  his 
pride,  pomp,  and  arrogance,  Paracelsus  burned,  with  great  solemnity, 
the  works  of  Galen  and  Avicenna,  declaring  that  he  had  found  the  phi- 
losopher's stone,  and  that  mankind  had  no  further  use  for  the  medical 
werks  of  others.  He  lived  a  disappointed  vagabond,  and  died  prema- 
turely at  the  age  of  forty-eight,  his  famous  elixir  vitcB  having  failed  to 
save  him  from  a  most  horrible  fate.  Still  his  abominable  doctrines  pre- 
vailed, and  his  infatuated  followers  have  added  several  hundred  other 
chemical  or  mineral  preparations  to  the  materia  medica  of  the  great 
Quicksilver  Quack.  At  the  present  day,  among  a  certain  class  of  phy- 
sicians, there  is  hardly  a  disease  in  the  catalogue  of  human  aUments  in 
which  the  employment  of  merciuy,  antimony,  arsenic,  and  other  deadly 
drugs  is  not  employed. 

During  the  seventeenth  century  the  doctrines  of  Hippocrates  again 
rose  to  some  consideration  in  medical  philosophy.  Anatomy  made  pro- 
gress. Harvey  discovered  the  ckculation  of  the  blood  ;  others  traced 
out  the  absorbent  system,  and  explained  the  functions  and  structure  of 
the  lungs ;  while  Boyle  disengaged  chemistry  from  the  mystery  by 
which  it  was  surrounded,  and  explained  its  true  province  to  be,  "not 
the  manufacture  of  solid  gold,  nor  liquid  nostrums,  nor  gaseous  theories, 
but  an  investigation  into  the  change  of  properties  which  bodies  expe- 
rience in  their  action  vipon  each  other." 

From  this  time  to  the  beginning  of  the  eighteenth  century,  notwith- 
standing many  facts  had  accumulated  in  chemistry,  anatomy,  and  phys- 
iology, physicians,  as  a  body,  held  no  more  natural  views  of  the  true 
nature  of  disease  than  were  advanced  by  Hippocrates,  three  thousand 
years  before.  Indeed,  it  is  positively  certain  that  none  of  the  most 
eminent  neio  schools  or  sects  of  the  present  day  had  been  more  success- 
ful in  curing  diseases  than  were  Hippocrates,  Galen,  and  Sydenham. 
Meantime,  however,  there  have  arisen  physicians,  who,  while  they 
readily  received  aU  new  facts  in  respect  to  the  structure  of  the  human 
organism,  stiU  adhered  to  the  instinctive  inductions  of  Nature,  and  treat- 
ed diseases  with  most  abundant  success  by  means  of  Herbal  prepara- 
tions alone.  We  have  at  this  day  as  bright  a  galaxy  of  names— scholars, 
philosophers,  philanthropists,  and  humanitarians — as  ever  adorned  any 


8  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

age  of  the  world,  devoting  themselves  with  a  zeal  and  industry  worthy 
of  all  praise  to  the  study  and  practice  of  medicine,  but,  failing  to  per- 
ceive the  grand  results  anticipated  in  their  laborious  researches  after 
truth,  do  not  hesitate  to  admit  that  our  actual  information  does  not  in- 
crease m  any  degree  in  proportion  to  our  experience.  All  their  array  of 
learning,  and  their  multitudinous  writings,  have  only  served  to  make 
confusion  worse  confounded,  and  all  from  the  very  simple  fact  that  they 
have  neglected  to  follow  the  requirements  of  Xature  and  common  sense, 
in  maintaining  the  Herbal  Practice  as  the  only  true  and  philosophical 
foundation  of  the  Healing  Art.  Amidst  all  the  jarrings,  conflicts,  and 
dogmas  of  the  medical  world,  is  it  any  wonder  that  the  great  masses  are 
rapidly  losing  all  confidence  in  Medical  Science,  and  crying  for  a  more 
natural  system  of  medication — even  one  founded  in  the  princiijles  of 
irrefragable  Nature  ?  With  this  view  I  have  devoted  many  years  of  my 
life,  and  having  traveled  in  numerous  lands,  I  feel  that  I  am  now  quali- 
fied, from  a  long  medical  experience  and  deep  research  into  the  physi- 
ology of  Plants,  to  present  to  the  world  of  suffering  humanity  all  those 
curative  elements  best  calculated  to  ensure  perfect  health,  and  the  ut- 
most length  of  life,  to  all  who  may  feel  disposed  to  be  guided  by  the 
doctrines  and  system  of  medication  which  it  is  the  object  of  this  volume 
to  make  kno\\Ti. 


THE  HEEBAL  WOELD. 

In  the  foregoing  pages  we  have  seen,  that  from  the  earliest  period  in 
the  history  of  the  human  race  to  the  present  time,  the  administration 
of  the  juices  and  essences  of  Herbs  and  Plants,  in  aU  forms  of  disease, 
has  ever  been  considered  by  judicious  and  philosophical  minds  as  the 
most  rational  and  natural  means  of  reUeving  the  economy  of  all  abnor- 
mal obstructions  and  derangements,  and  restoring  all  the  functions  to 
their  origmal  or  primitive  vigor  and  healthful  workmg.  Notwithstand- 
ing the  innovations  of  the  mineral  practice,  I  have  ever  held  most  rigidly 
to  the  Herbal  System  of  medication  ;  but  having  failed  to  meet  with  the 
success  reasonably  anticipated  by  i)ursuing  the  ordinaiy  routine  of  The- 
rapeutics, I  was  fmally  led  to  reject  the  many  changes  in  medical  doc- 
trines and  practice,  and  start  forth  on  a  path  of  mvestigation  of  my 
own  into  the  mysteries  of  the  mineral  and  vegetable  Kingdoms,  espe- 
cially as  they  might  bear  upon  the  health  and  happiness  of  the  human 
being;  accordingly,  early  in  my  professional  career  1  attempted,  by 
proper  chemical  analyses  and  practical  experiment,  to  determme  the 
best  specific  means  for  the  healing  of  the  maladies  of  mankind.     The 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  9 

results  of  these  researches,  since  confirmed  by  many  years'  successful 
medical  experience  based  upon  them,  have  but  the  more  strongly 
strengthened  my  opijosition  to  the  use  of  all  the  mineral  preparations  of 
the  modem  schools  of  medicine,  and  to  establish  my  faith  aU  the  more 
firmly  in  the  employment  of  iierbal  elements  exclusively — whether  in 
the  materia  of  roots,  barks,  seeds,  or  flowers — as  the  surest  and  safest 
means  for  the  thorough  eradication  of  every  form  of  disease. 

In  saying  all  this,  however,  I  do  not  deny  the  fact  that  many  mineral 
substances  enter  into  the  composition  of  the  human  being,  and  are  ne- 
cessary for  his  full  health  and  perfection — as  chalk  or  lime  is  requisite 
to  form  bone,  iron  to  enrich  or  strengthen  the  blood,  and  other  mineral 
substances  for  the  formation  of  the  tissues,  as  phosphorus  for  the  tissues 
of  the  brain  and  nerves,  etc.  — but  I  stoutly  contend  that  all  such  inor- 
ganic substances  are  taken  up  by  plants  and  distributed  to  the  various 
tissues  and  elements  of  the  human  being,  either  in  the  way  of  food  or 
medicine,  in  exactly  the  precise  quantity  requisite  for  man's  perfect 
health,  if  rightly  used,  neither  in  excess  or  diminution,  agreeably  to  the 
laws  of  Nature  ;  and  their  virtues  are  thus  prepared  and  eUminated  in  a 
way  far  superior  to  any  chemical  manipulation  ever  conceived  or  known 
to  man,  with  all  the  elements  of  chemical  science  at  his  command. 
That  this  is  the  case  is  demonstrated  by  chemical  analyses  of  plants. 
Coca  contains  phosphorus ;  twinleaf,  the  salts  of  jiotassa,  lime,  iron, 
magnesia,  silica,  etc.  ;  the  houseleek,  super-malate  of  hme ;  Matico,  the 
salts  of  lime,  iron,  sulphur,  etc.  Spongia  usta,  coxbon,  silica,  sodium, 
lime,  magnesium,  iron,  and  phosphorus,  either  in  combination  or  free ; 
coffee,  chlorogenate  of  potassa ;  in  fact,  all  the  chemical  elements  com- 
posing the  organism  of  man  are  also  found  in  plants.  The  reader  wiU 
find  these  chemical  elements  given  in  the  history  of  plants,  I  also  refer 
him  to  page  385,  where,  in  the  article  "  Treatment  of  Chronic  Diseases," 
will  be  found  a  full  explanation  of  the  author's  specialty  in  curing  chronic 
disorders  by  chemically  prepared  herbal  remedies. 

The  herbal  physician  has,  moreover,  decided  advantages  over  the 
mineral  physician,  with  reference  to  the  administration  of  mineral  sub- 
stances. He  gives  them  in  natural  combinations — in  such  chemical  as- 
sociation which,  for  exactness  and  propriety,  can  only  occur  in  the  great 
laboratory  of  Nature  ;  while  the  dispenser  of  mineral  drugs  gives  them 
whoUy  as  isolated  elementary  principles,  as  furnished  by  the  inorganic 
chemist,  who,  like  all  humans,  is  liable  to  err.  Let  us  illustrate  this 
advantage  by  iodine.  The  algee,  such  as  the  fuel  and  laminarim  (deep- 
sea-water  plants,  growing  at  the  depth  of  three  hundred  fathoms),  furnish 
this  principle  in  abundance.  The  mineral  physician,  not  content  to 
administer  the  alterative  in  the  best  possible  combination,  as  it  exists  in 
the  sea-weed,  subjects  the  plants  to  chemical  operations,  releases  the 
iodine,  and  then  either  exhibits  it  by  itself  or  in  association  with  sodium, 
1* 


10  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

potassium,  mercury,  etc.  The  true  herbal  physician  acts  more  wisely 
in  this  respect :  he  admimstcrs  the  plant  in  substance,  tincture,  extract, 
etc.,  and  has  the  consciousness  that  the  iodine  which  Nature  furnishes 
him  is  pure,  and  not  the  inferior  adulterated  article  of  commerce.  In 
plants  where  its  chemical  nature  may  be  concentred  into  one  compound 
principle,  and  the  residue  but  inert  matter,  it  is  judicious  to  separate  it 
from  the  plant,  but  radically  \vrong  to  release  but  one  simple  elementary 
mineral  quality  of  the  jilant. 

The  advocate  of  mineral  medication  may  retort  by  asking  the  use  of 
administering  the  whole  plant,  when  the  iodine  alone  constitutes  its 
therapeutical  value.  Why  give  the  refuse  matter  with  the  iodine  ?  To 
this  sophistical  argument  and  foolish  inquiry  I  will  reply,  WTiy  eat  the 
whole  peach,  when  its  flavor  only  makes  it  pleasant  as  an  edible  ?  Why 
not  release  the  flavor  and  fatten  on  that  delectable  principle  ? 

The  best  argument,  however,  in  favor  of  herbal  medication,  and  one 
which  establishes  it  as  the  correct  philosophy,  is  the  comparison  of  re- 
sults from  both  systems ;  and  with  these  the  author  became  fully  ac- 
quainted by  practical  experiment,  and  which  led  him,  and  not  prejudice, 
to  adopt  exclusively  the  herbal  system  of  medication.  I  may  justly 
claim  this  system  of  practice,  in  its  most  important  relations,  as  solely 
my  own,  and  for  which  I  have  been  the  recipient  of  all  encouragement 
of  scientific  men  and  societies ;  but  the  homage  that  I  value  most,  and 
which  afforded  the  motive  and  stimulated  my  ambition,  is  the  gratitude 
of  almost  numberless  invalids  whom  I  have  thus  been  enabled  to  cure 
of  diseases  which  were  pronoiuiced,  and  in  fact  are,  incurable  by  physi- 
cians who  rely  upon  minerals  for  their  agents  of  cure. 

The  true  theory  of  disease  and  its  cure  is  embodied  in  two  chemical 
forces,  which,  like  the  ciuTcnts  of  electricity,  are  positive  and  negative. 
Thus,  if  the  positive  force  of  disease  is  manifested  upon  any  organ,  it 
disturbs  the  harmony  and  functional  action  of  that  organ,  and  the  dis- 
organization will  continue  as  long  as  the  negative  force  of  cure  is  not 
placed  in  antagonism  ^\ith  it,  to  neutralize  the  activity  of  the  jiositive 
force.  When  this  is  done  the  autonomy  of  the  organ  is  re-established, 
and  its  fimction  becomes  again  natural  and  healthful. 

Again,  if  upon  discovery  any  organ  or  tissue  becomes  deficient  ia  its 
chemical  elements,  it  must  be  supplied  by  such  plants  as  contain 
them ;  or  if  any  organ  or  tissue  becomes  surcharged  with  its  chemical 
constituents,  negative  chemical  elements  must  be  exhibited  to  reduce 
them  to  their  normal  quantities.  See  article  on  "Treating  Diseases 
Chemically,"  page  385. 

These  forces  in  various  ways  control  the  whole  organic  world.  Increase 
the  centrifugiil  force,  and  the  earth  flies  into  space  ;  remove  the  centripe- 
tal, and  it  rushes  headlong  to  the  sim.  If  they  are  as  they  exist,  coequal, 
the  earth  rt>lls  on  in  its  orliit  in  grand  precision  and  admirable  harmony. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  11 

Having  thus  philosophized,  and  finally  realized  that  the  entire  tmi- 
verse  was  composed  of  con  trary  elements — of  negative  and  fjositive  prin- 
ciples— yet  that  the  whole  worked,  or  acted,  in  the  most  perfect  harmony, 
agreeably  to  the  wisdom  of  a  Great  First  Cause,  when  such  elements 
were  not  disarranged  or  disturbed  by  any  violation  of  the  laws  of  pristine 
Nature,  I  was  soon  led  to  a  logical  deduction  of  the  general  laws  which 
govern  the  virtues  or  medicinal  properties  of  all  the  varieties  of  i^lants, 
with  a  view  to  employ  them  as  remedial  agents  in  the  cure  of  disease. 
In  a  word,  I  found  in  the  being,  man,  an  epitome  of  all  creation — found 
in  his  organism  all  the  elements  of  universal  natui'e — and  necessarily 
discerned  that,  as  there  are  summer  and  winter,  night  and  day,  ia  regu- 
lar and  systematic  succession,  such  alternations  of  nature  could  not  but 
have  the  most  imiiortant  iulluences  in  respect  to  the  health  and  diseases 
of  the  human  being — Heaven's  last,  most  perfect  work.  I  realized  that, 
in  accordance  with  the  various  operations  of  nature,  man  remained  in 
health,  or  became  afflicted  with  disease.  Hence  it  became  necessary 
for  me  to  fuUy  understand  or  comprehend  the  cause  of  any  deiiarture 
from  the  normal  or  natural  condition  of  man,  and  to  provide  the  cure, 
or  the  remedy  best  adapted  for  the  restoration  of  the  equilibrium  of  the 
functions  of  his  entire  organism. 

I  ascertaLued  by  experiment  what  was  before  a  preconceived  idea, 
that  plants  afforded  the  best  agents  to  antagonize  the  force  of  disease, 
and  to  re-establish  the  integrity  of  any  organ  or  tissvie  assaUed.  The 
discovery  was  made  apparent,  however,  that  indiscrimiriate  selection  of 
medicinal  plants  was  injudicious,  and  that  the  curative  property  of  a 
plant  was  developed  only  in  proportion  as  certain  essential  conditions 
were  provided.  These  conditions  proved  to  be  those  necessary  to  the 
full  health  of  man,  viz. ,  proper  climate,  air,  and  food. 

The  first  great  essential  of  a  plant  which  is  to  be  selected  for  its 
medical  qualities  is  its  nativity.  If  indigenous  to  the  locality  or  coun- 
try wherein  found,  it  is  a  proper  one  to  select.  Plants  that  are  intro- 
duced from  other  countries  are  lessened  or  deprived  of  their  virtues, 
urdess  they  meet  in  their  new  home  aU  the  essential  conditions  pos- 
sessed in  their  native  place. 

The  geographical  distribution  of  plants  is  affected  by  climatic  in- 
fluences, constituents  of  soil,  heat,  moisture,  altitude  of  situation,  etc. 
The  flowers,  shrubs,  and  trees  which  adorn  the  plains  of  India  and 
South  America,  are  not  the  same  vdth  those  which  clothe  the  valleys  of 
England  and  North  America.  Nor  are  their  medicinal  properties  the 
same,  however  those  herbal  products  may  resemble  each  other.  The 
plants  which  flourish  on  the  sea-shore  of  Great  Britain  are  not  the  same 
as  those  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  nor  are  these,  again,  allied  to  the  mari- 
time vegetation  of  Chili,  South  America.  Nearly  aU  the  beautiful 
plants  which  adorn  our  green-houses  are  natives  of    a  limited  space  neai 


12  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  as  are  also  many  of  our  most  beautiful  bulbs ; 
but  the  medicinal  properties  of  all  become  weakened  and  changed  by 
transplantation.  The  curious  stafehas,  that  smell  so  offensively,  are 
found  wild  only  in  South  Africa.  They  are  there  used  for  medical 
purposes  by  the  Aborigines.  The  trees  that  bear  balsam  grow  principal- 
ly in  Arabia  and  on  the  banks  of  the  Red  Sea.  The  umbelliferous  and 
cinciferous  plants  spread  across  Europe  and  Asia.  The  Cacti  are  found 
only  in  tropical  America,  while  the  lobiatse  and  carioiihyllacea  are  sel- 
dom discovered  but  in  Europe.  The  jieculiar  ranges  and  centres  of 
vegetation,  as  they  are  termed,  are  all  owing  to  chemical,  climatic,  a  ad 
electrical  influences,  and  yield  their  medicinal  properties  in  exn.ct  ratio  of 
quality,  in  accordance  with  the  latitudes  or  places  in  which  they  are 
indigenous. 

From  the  many  facts  existing,  we  must  believe  that  there  is  r  ot  a 
single  disease  in  man  that  may  not  have  its  remedy  or  cure,  in  some 
herb  or  other,  if  we  but  knew  wJiich  plant,  and  ichere  to  find  it,  in  this, 
or  that,  or  any  cHme  or  portion  of  the  world — agreeably  to  the  provi- 
dence of  Nature. 

This  fact  or  law  is  proven  in  the  lower  animal  kingdom.  Who  has 
not  often  seen  not  only  our  famihar  domestic  animals,  but  many  of  the 
untamed  creatures  of  the  forests,  fields,  and  air,  seek  out  some  one  or 
peculiar  herb,  when  laboring  under  sickness  or  derangement  of  the 
functions  of  its  organism  ? 

Truly,  Nature  has  wisely  implanted  a  definite  instinct  in  every  organ- 
ic creature,  in  order  to  serve  for  its  health,  or  for  its  restoration  to 
health  from  disease.  In  man,  however,  such  instinct  is  not  so  plainly 
marked,  but  to  him  has  been  given  reason  and  judgment,  and  (in  some 
few  of  the  race)  a  disposition  to  investigate  the  laws  and  mysteries  of 
creation,  in  order  to  secure  his  own  highest  health  and  perfection,  and 
to  find  the  means  for  the  healing  of  his  kind,  when  they  have  become 
diseased  through  ignorance,  perversion,  and  violation  of  the  immutable 
ordinances  of  Creation. 

As  the  proverb  says,  "  There  are  sermons  in  stones,  and  books  in  run- 
ning brooks  ;"  so  do  we  behold  volumes  of  wisdom  in  all  the  herbal  king- 
dom— in  every  emerald  and  variegated  leaf,  in  every  tinted  blossom — ia 
all,  there  is  a  voiceless  language,  eternally  singing  significant  psalms  it 
praise  of  ' '  Him  who  doeth  all  things  well. " 

Thus  we  find  that  adaptation  is  the  laio  of  the  universe — and  no- 
where is  it  more  vividly  portrayed  than  in  the  growth  and  development 
of  the  Herbal  world. 

It  will  thus  be  seen  that  it  is  only  by  carefully  studying  the  physiol- 
ogy or  functions,  or  nature  of  plants,  we  can  derive  instruction  for  the 
proper  regulation  or  government  of  our  own  organisms.  The  causes 
which  iutlueuco  the  growth  and  development  of  plants,  are  conditions 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  13 

necessary  to  be  understood,  in  order  to  preserve  the  health  or  inte^ty 
of  our  systems. 

Dependent  upon  the  causes  I  have  already  named,  the  plants,  also, 
may  lose  their  medicinal  virtues ;  while  much  will  be  owing  to  the  sea- 
son of  the  year  when  they  are  gathered,  in  order  to  adajit  them  to 
medico-chemical  purposes. 

For  instance,  iu  the  Spring  of  the  year  the  common  Nettle  plant  may 
afford  a  palatable  food  for  man ;  but  if  selected  at  a  later  period,  instead 
of  serving  as  a  savory  vegetable,  or  purifier  of  morbid  elements  from 
the  blood  and  system  of  man,  might  be  converted  into  or  act  as  a  viru- 
lent or  dangerous  poison  upon  his  organism. 

In  China  the  Gimeng  (so  called  from  the  two  Chuiese  words  gen  sing, 
"first  of  plants")  plant  or  root  is  regarded — weight  for  weight — as  sil- 
ver, for  medicinal  purposes  ;  whereas  the  same  herb  grown  in  America, 
or  other  countries,  does  not  possess  a  tithe  of  the  value  of  the  Chinese 
production  for  healing  purjjoses. 

The  American  chamomile,  though  in  all  respects  the  same  as  the  Eu- 
ropean, is  positively  inert  in  its  medicinal  qualities. 

There  must  be,  therefore,  I  repeat,  a  combination  of  influences  to 
insure  the  full  development  of  perfection  of  any  plant.  There  must  be 
not  oidy  internal  but  external  stimuli,  to  develop  the  virtues  of  the 
herb.  The  external,  as  we  have  seen,  consist  of  certain  nutritious 
matters  contained  in  the  soil,  water,  atmospheric  gases,  electricity, 
light,  and  heat,  besides  the  elements  of  oxygen,  both  in  its  combined  or 
simple  form,  nitrogen,  etc. 

If  we  take  a  stem  cut  from  a  pine  tree,  in  the  forests  of  North  Caro- 
lina, and  place  it  in  contact  with  the  trunk  of  a  healthy  growing  pine, 
the  former  would  destroy  the  latter  in  the  course  of  the  season.  The 
worms  generated  in  the  severed  or  decayed  stem  will  pass  to  the  living 
tree,  and  rapidly  cause  its  destruction. 

Any  farmer  knows  that  if  the  lordly  oak  be  felled  in  June  it  will  pass 
into  a  state  of  decay  in  the  course  of  from  four  to  eight  weeks  ;  but  if  it 
be  cut  down  at  a  proper  season  (which  is  in  Fall  and  early  Spring,  when 
the  tree  is  nearly  destitute  of  sap),  it  affords  the  best  timber  for  the 
building  of  ships.  It  may  be  of  interest,  also,  to  state  that  at  such 
times  the  transplantation  of  trees  should  be  made.  The  tree  should  be 
removed  at  night,  and  set  oiat  in  the  same  relative  position  to  the  sun  as 
in  its  former  aspect.  If  these  rules  are  followed,  no  tree  will  rarely 
ever  die,  unless  its  most  vital  f)arts  are  too  extensively  injured. 

We  all  know  that  a  plant  stripped  of  its  leaves  will  soon  perish. 
Among  the  reasons  for  this  is,  that  the  absorjation  by  the  roots  is  insuf^ 
ficient  to  supply  all  the  materials  for  its  nourishment.  Let  us  look  a 
little  more  closely  into  these  phenomena  of  natiire.  There  must  be  a 
certain  number  of  stages  for  all  herbal  growths.     First,  the  ascending 


14  THE    COMPLETK    HERBALIST. 

eap  dissolves  the  nutritive  deposits  of  the  root  and  stem,  and  conveys 
them  to  assist  in  the  development  of  leaves  and  flowers.  Hence  it  ia 
e\'ident  that  if  the  root,  bark,  or  stem  be  gathered  at  this  season,  it  will 
prove  deficient  in  medicinal  virtues,  or  be  altogether  inert.  The  leaves 
also  will  be  found  worthless  for  remedial  piu'poses.  On  the  other  hand, 
if  we  wait  a  little  longer,  or  until  the  plant  is  fully  developed,  we  will 
find  that  either  the  bark  or  root,  the  leaves  or  flowers,  are  full  of  rare 
medicinal  virtues. 

The  precise  moment  when  all  the  assimilative  processes  of  the  plant 
have  been  perfected — whether  it  be  Summer  or  Winter,  Spring  or  Au- 
tumn— is  the  time  to  gather  it  for  a  remedial  agent  in  disease,  inasmuch 
as  we  know  that  the  laws  of  chemical  decomposition  and  recombination 
know  no  rest ;  hence,  as  in  the  case  of  the  nettle,  while  it  may  be  a 
good  food  in  its  earUer  stages  of  development,  it  would  prove  a  poison 
in  a  more  advanced  stage  of  its  growth. 

The  peculiar  properties  of  herbs  as  medicines  will  often  depend  upon 
the  gTeenness  or  ripeness  of  the  plant,  and  other  circumstances  attend- 
ant upon  its  cutting,  and  the  length  of  time  it  is  kept  after  being 
gathered. 

For  instance,  the  concrete  juice  of  the  Manna  ash  {Fraxinus  Ormis) — 
the  manna  of  commerce — increases  in  purgative  qualities  by  age.  The 
Oak-bark,  for  tanning  hides,  imj^roves  in  value  for  a  period  of  four  or 
five  years  after  it  has  been  stripped  from  the  tnmk  ;  in  the  same  man- 
ner, its  medicinal  properties  are  either  diminished  or  improved,  according 
to  the  season  when  the  bark  is  gathered,  or  the  manner  in  which  it  is 
converted  into  tannic  acid  for  medical  or  scientific  purposes. 

It  must  be  apparent  to  all,  that  herbs  are  Uable  to  suffer  from  the 
vicissitudes  of  soil,  climate,  season,  etc.,  and,  as  a  matter  of  course, 
from  these  causes  will  vary  the  medicinal  principles  attributed  to  them. 

Repeated  analysis  demonstrates  the  fact,  that  specimens  of  the  same 
plant,  grown  in  different  localities,  vrill  vary  infinitely  in  the  proportions 
of  the  medicinal  principles  yielded.  Take,  for  example,  the  Butterfly- 
weed,  or  Pleurisy-root  (Asclepias  Tuberosa),  which  grows  in  the  barren 
and  sandy  soil  of  New  Jersey,  and  it  will  be  found  to  yield  from  one  to 
two  hundred  per  cent,  of  its  medicinal  virtues  more  than  the  same  plant 
grown  in  the  rich  alluvial  soils  of  the  West.  Hence,  when  given  as 
medicine,  the  quantity  must  correspond  accordingly — be  either  increased 
or  diminished,  in  order  to  secure  its  proper  curative  effects  upon  the 
system.  Thus  it  is  seen  that  a  medicine,  prepared  from  plants  culled 
at  an  improi>er  season,  will  prove  entirely  inert  or  useless,  while  the 
same  herb,  gathered  at  a  proper  time  in  a  proper  climate,  especially  and 
properly  prepared,  would  secure  the  restoration  of  a  patient  from  disease 
to  health. 

There  is  likewise  a  wide  difference  between  the  vii-tues  of  a  plant 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  15 

growing  in  a  wild  or  natural  condition  from  that  of  the  same  herb  when 
artificially  cultivated.  The  transference  of  plants  from  their  native 
locations,  to  soils  prepared  by  the  hands  of  man,  induces  many  changes 
in  their  individual  elements.  Many  plants  formerly  used  for  medicines 
are  now  cultivated  for  the  table  alone.  The  small  acid  root  of  the  Bras- 
sica  Rujia  has  become  the  large  and  nutritious  article  of  diet  knowTi  as 
the  hirnip.  The  dandelion,  when  grown  in  natural  localities,  possesses 
well-defined  medical  properties,  all  of  which  are  lost  when  the  plant  is 
artificially  cultivated.  In  the  cultivated  plant  the  proportions  of  starch, 
grape-sugar,  and  other  non-medical  principles  are  largely  increased, 
while  that  which  is  gathered  in  its  wild  or  native  state  is  known  to  pos- 
sess rare  virtues  in  affections  of  the  liver,  kidneys,  and  respiratory 
organs.  In  the  cultivated  rose  the  stamens  are  converted  into  petals. 
The  castor-oil  plant  in  Africa  is  a  woody  tree — in  our  gardens  it  is  an 
annual.  The  mignonette,  in  Europe,  ia  an  annual  plant,  but  becomes 
perennial  in  the  sandy  deserts  of  Egy^jt. 

I  repeat,  from  what  has  been  seen  it  is  evident  that  all  herbs,  perhaps, 
possess  some  property  suitable  for  medical  purposes.  These  virtues  may 
be  found  in  the  root  of  one  plant,  in  the  bark  of  another,  in  the  leaves 
of  another,  in  the  blossoms  of  another,  in  the  seeds  of  another,  or  in  the 
whole  combined.  Even  the  color  of  the  flower  has  much  to  do  with  the 
therapeutic  properties  of  the  plant--as,  for  instance,  the  Blue  Vervain, 
as  used  in  my  Fits  and  Dyspepsia  remedy,  is  the  only  kind  that  is  used 
for  medical  puri^oses — all  the  other  species  being  entirely  useless,  or  else 
more  or  less  dangerous. 

In  fact,  it  is  evident  to  the  comprehension  of  the  simjjlest  mind  that 
climatic  influences  have  much  to  do  with  the  full  development  of  plants. 
This  may  be  illustrated  in  the  Tobacco  raised  in  Cuba  and  that  grown  in 
Connecticut — the  one  being  grown  in  a  Southern  and  the  other  in  a 
Northern  climate.  The  poison  nieotiiie  is  derived  from  the  tobacco 
plant ;  the  exhilarating  caffeine  and  tKeine  are  obtained  from  the  coffee 
berry  and  tea  plant.  Thus  it  is  possible  that  some  therapeutic  agent  or 
other  may  be  derived  from  every  plant  grown  on  the  surface  of  the 
globe. 

The  Red  Men  of  the  American  forests  are  never  at  a  loss  to  know 
which  plant  is  best,  nor  the  time  it  should  be  gathered,  to  cure  them  of 
disease.  They  know  how  to  treat  their  complaints  in  physic,  surgery, 
and  midwifery  with  a  skill  that  far  surpasses  that  of  many  a  learned 
doctor  of  the  big  medical  schools,  with  all  their  science,  and  the  medical 
teachings  of  physicians  for  upwards  of  four  thousand  years.  What 
other  guide  have  the  poor  Indians — those  untutored  savages  of  the 
woods — but  their  reason  and  their  instinct,  and  their  practical  experi- 
ence in  the  use  of  herbs  ? 

This  is  the  same  in   the   East   Indies,   South  America,  South   Sea 


16 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


Islands,  Patagonia,  Africa,  and  other  lands.  The  negroes  in  the  in- 
terior parts  of  Africa  possess  a  knowledge  of  the  medicinal  properties  of 
plants  which  is  really  svirjjrising,  and,  by  consequence,  are  rarely  afflicted 
with  disease.  The  art  of  healing  in  Sumatra  consists  in  the  application 
of  plants,  in  whose  medicinal  virtues  they  are  siirprisingly  skilled.  In 
fact,  the  Sumatrans  have  a  degree  of  botanical  knowledge  that  sur- 
prises the  European  or  American.  They  become  acquainted  at  an  early 
age  not  only  with  the  names,  but  the  qualities  and  properties  of  every 
shrub  and  herb  among  that  exuberant  variety  with  which  their  country 
abounds. 

In  gathering  herbs  for  medical  purposes,  we  should  not  only  know  the 
season  when  they  should  be  culled,  but  we  should  be  quaUfied  to  com- 
prehend the  principles  of  which  the  plant  is  composed — whether  they 
be  resins,  alkaloids,  or  neutrals — and  be  able  also  to  separate  the  one 
ingredient  or  element  from  the  other,  as  a  distinct  medicinal  property,  or 
combine  the  whole  for  the  puri^ose  of  a  compound  medical  agent. 

Plants  by  their  appearance  often  invite  the  invalid  to  cull  them  for 
hifl  restoration,  and  assume  such  shapes  as  to  suggest  their  curative 
properties.  For  instance,  herbs  that  simu- 
late the  shape  of  the  Lungs,  as  Lungwort 
{see  figure  adjoining),  Sage,  Hounds-tongue, 
and  Comfrey,  are  all  good  for  pulmonary 
complaints. 

Plants  which  bear  in  leaves  and  roots  a 
7ieart-\\he  form,  as  Citron  Apple,  Fuller's 
Thistle,  Spikenard,  Balm,  ]\Iint,  White-beet, 
Parsley,  and  Motherwort,  will  yield  medicinal 
properties  congenial  to  that  organ.  Vege- 
table productions  like  in  figure  to  the  ears, 
as  the  leaves  of  the  Coltfoot  or  Wild  Spike- 
nard, rightly  prepared  as  a  conserve  and 
eaten,  improve  the  hearing  and  memory; 
while  oil  extracted  from  the  shells  of  sea- 
snails,  which  have  the  turnings  and  curvings 
of  the  ears,  tends  wonderfully  to  the  cure  of  deafness.  A  decoction  of 
Maiden  Hair  and  the  moss  of  Quinces,  which  plants  resemble  the  Jiairs 
of  the  head,  is  good  for  baldness.  Plants  resembling  the  human  nose, 
as  the  leaves  of  the  Wild  Water  Mint,  are  beneficial  in  restoiing  the 
sense  of  smell.  Plants  having  a  semblance  of  the  Womb,  as  Birthwort, 
Heart  Wort,  Ladies'  Seal  or  Briony,  conduce  much  to  a  safe  accouche- 
ment. Shrubs  and  HerV)s  resembling  the  bladder  and  gall,  as  Night- 
shade and  Alkekengi,  will  relieve  the  gravel  and  stone.  Liver-shaped 
plants,  as  Liverwort  (see  the  following  figure),  Trinity,  Agaric,  Fumitory, 
Figs,  etc. ,  all  are  efficacioua  in  bilious  diseases.     Walnuts,  Indian  nuts, 


Lungwort 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


17 


Leeks,  and  the  root  of  Ragwort,  because  of  their  form,  when  duly  pre- 
pared will  further  generation  and  prevent  sterility.      Herbs  and  seeds 
in   shape  hke   the   teeth,    as   Toothwort,    Pine-kernel,    etc.,    preserve 
the    dental    organization.       Plants     of 
knobbed  form,  like  knuckles  or  joints, 
as  GaHngale,  and  the  knotty  odoriferous 
rush,  Calamus,  are  good  for  diseases  of 
the  spine  and  reins,   foot,   gout,    knee 
swellings,   and   all  joint  pains  whatso- 
ever.    ODy  vegetable  products,  as  the 
Filbert,  Walnut,  Almond,  etc.,  tend  to 
fatness  of  the  body. 

Plants  naturally  lean,  as  Sarsaparilla 
or  long-leaved  Bosa  Solie  emaciate  those 
who  use  them. 

Fleshy  plants,  such  as  Onions,  Leeks, 
and  Colewort,  make  flesh  for  the  eaters. 
Certain  plants,  as  the  Sensitive  plant, 
Nettles,  the  roots  of  Mallows,  and  the 
herb  Neiirus,  when  used  as  outward  ap- 
plications, fortify  and  brace  the  nerves. 
Milky  herbs,  as  Lettuce  and  the  fruit  of 
the  Almond  and  Fig  trees,  propagate 
milk.  Plants  of  a  serous  nature,  as 
Spurge  and  Scammony,  purge  the  nox- 
ious humors  between  the  flesh  and  the 
skin.     Herbs  whose  acidity  turns  milk  to 

curd,  such  as  Gahum  and  the  seeds  of  Spurge,  will  lead  to  procreation. 
Rue  mixed  with  Cummin  will  relieve  a  sore  breast,  if  a  poultice  of  them 
be  applied,  when  the  milk  is  knotted  therein  ;  while  plants  that  are  hollow., 
as  the  stalks  of  Grain,  Reeds,  Leeks,  and  Garhc,  are  good  to  purge, 
open,  and  soothe  the  hollow  parts  of  the  body.  Many  more  instances  of 
such  adaptation  of  herbs  and  plants  to  difieases  of  the  body  might  be 
cited  if  deemed  necessaiy. 

The  vitality  of  plants  may  be  destroyed  by  giving  them  deleterious  or 
poisonous  substances,  such  as  arsenic,  mercury,  etc.  In  fact,  mineral 
poisons  act  on  plants  and  herbs  in  nearly  the  same  way  they  do  upon 
human  beings  or  other  animals. 

The  color  of  plants  is  generally  under  the  influence  of  solar  light ; 
hence,  plants  grown  in  darkness  become  etiolated  or  blanched.  The 
green  of  leaves  is  due  to  nitrogen,  while  in  proportion  as  the  oxygen  of 
the  air  predominates,  the  leaves  put  on  varied  tints,  as  the  beautiful  red 
and  crimson  assumed  by  some  leaves  in  Autumn. 

The  color  of  flowers^  as  a  general  rule,  is  influenced  by  solar  Ught, 


Liverwort. 


18  THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

though  the  magnetic  condition  of  the  soil  has  much  to  do  with  the  color. 
For  instance,  the  petals  of  the  common  butter-cup  are  of  as  brilliant  a 
yellow  in  town  gardens  enveloped  in  the  smoke  of  London  as  on  any 
covmtry  hill,  while  the  tints  of  the  rose  remain,  when  languishing  for 
lack  of  a  clear  atmosphere.  The  flowers  of  the  common  hydrangea, 
which  are  naturally  pink^  may  be  made  blue  by  planting  the  shrub  in 
soil  impregnated  with  iron.  So  will  certain  medical  preparations  of 
iron  turn  blue  the  human  flesh.  The  color  of  the  flower  of  the  tulips 
can  be  turned  into  white,  yellow,  brown,  purple,  and  a  beautiful  tint  of 
rose,  by  transplanting  the  plants  from  a  poor  soil  to  a  rich  one,  and  vice 
versa. 

The  fragrances  of  flowers  and  plants  have  their  physiological  or  medi- 
cal uses.  The  use  of  the  fragrance  in  leaves,  bark,  and  wood,  is  appar- 
ently to  preserve  them  from  the  attacks  of  insects ;  as  the  emell  of  the 
red  and  Bermuda  cedars  (of  which  pencils  are  made)  and  of  Camphor, 
also  a  vegetable  product,  is  to  keep  moths  and  other  vermin  from  attack- 
ing substances  with  which  they  are  in  contact. 

Plants  sometimes  distil  or  secrete  medicinal  or  nutritive  fluids,  which 
axe  contained  in  convenient  receptacles.  Such  plants  invariably  grow 
tar  from  the  haunts  of  men.  away  from  the  course  of  streams  or  vicinity 
of  ponds.  Whose  ordination  is  it  that  such  plants  have  such  a  habitude  ? 
It  is  that  Providence  who,  in  his  bountiful  beneficence,  places  them 
where  the  traveler  may  not  die  of  thirst  or  disease  on  his  way  of  dis- 
covery.   This  is  most  beautifully  illustrated  in  the  Nepenthes  dktillatoria 

(see  cut),  in  which  the  leaves 
terminate  in  a  most  singular 
maimer,  forming  a  sort  of  urn 
or  vase,  surmounted  by  a  cover, 
which  opens  and  shuts  as  occa^ 
sion  requires.  This  vessel  is 
suspended  at  the  extremity  of 
a  thread-like  appendage  to  a 
winged  petiole,  which  would 
seem  to  be  altogether  unlit  to 
support  it.  An  officer  of  marines 
writes  as  follows  :  ' '  Three  days 
after  my  arrival  at  Madagascar 

■KT       »v     j-^n  ^    •     "  I  lost  myself  during  a  short  ex- 

Nepenthes  distillatona.  ''  ° 

cursion  into  the  interior,  and  was 
overtaken  with  an  excessive  lassitude,  accompanied  with  a  devouring 
thirst.  After  a  long  walk  I  was  on  the  point  of  yielding  to  despair, 
when  I  perceived  close  to  me,  suspended  to  leaves,  some  smaU  vases, 
Bomewhat  like  those  used  to  preserve  fresh  water.  I  began  to  think  I 
was  under  one  of  those  hallucinations  by  whioh  the  sick  are  often  visited 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST^ 


19 


in  fever,  when  the  refreshing  draught  seems  to  fly  from  their  paxched 
lips.  I  approached  it, 
however,  with  some 
hesitation,  threw  a 
rapid  glance  at  the 
pitchers  :  judge  of  my 
happiaess  when  I  found 
them  filled  with  a  pure 
and  transparent  liquid. 
The  draught  I  partook 
gave  me  the  best  idea 
I  have  reaUzed  of  the 
nectar  served  at  the 
table  of  the  gods." 
Plants  of  such  descrip- 
tion become  extinct  if 
civilization  approaches 
their   domain. 

Plants  have  attri- 
butes other  than  medi- 
cal which  are  of  inter- 
est to  the  general  read- 
er besides  the  botanist. 
In  many  instances 
there  seems  to  be  a 
strikiug  affinity  be- 
tween the  herbal  and 
animal  kingdom,  and 
other  instances  of  the 
repelling  character. 
For  instance,  a  most 
remarkable  instance  of 
irritability  by  contact  ia 
that  exhibited  by  the 
"Venus's  Fly -Trap," 
Dionma  muscipida,  a 
native  of  Canada,  and 
nearly  allied  to  the 
common  "Sun-Dew" 
of  the  British  com- 
mons. Its  flowers 
have  nothing  remark- 
able about  them,  ex- 
cept that  their  petals  roll  up  when  they  are  about  to  decay ; 


Venus's  Fly-Trap. 


but  the 


20  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

leaves  are  very  curiously  constructed.  They  have  broad  leaf-like 
petioles,  at  whose  extremity  there  are  two  fleshy  tubes,  which  form  the 
real  leaf,  and  which  are  armed  with  strong,  sharp  spines,  three  on  the 
blade  of  each  lobe,  and  a  fringe  of  larger  spines  round  the  margin. 

When  an  insect  touches  the  base  of  the  central  spines  the  leaf  col- 
lapses, and  the  poor  insect  is  caught,  been  either  impaled  by  the  cen- 
tral spines  or  entrapped  by  the  others.  The  leaf  then  remains  closed, 
the  fringe  of  long  spines  being  firmly  interlaced  and  locked  together  tUl 
the  body  of  the  insect  has  wasted  away.  This  apparatus  being  the  nearest 
approach  to  a  stomach  which  has  yet  being  observed  in  plants,  an  experi- 
ment was  tried  some  years  ago  of  feeding  a  dioncea  (Venus's  Fly-Trap) 
with  very  small  particles  of  raw  meat,  when  it  was  found  that  the  leaves 
closed  in  the  same  way  as  they  would  have  done  over  an  insect,  and  did 
not  open  again  until  the  meat  was  consumed.  The  leaves  of  this  jilant 
possess  medicinal  properties,  which,  when  properly  prepared  in  tincture 
or  decoction,  have  been  found  of  exceeding  efhcacy  in  many  diseases  of 
the  digestive  organs  of  the  human  being. 

SarraceriM,  or  Side-Saddle  flower,  the  leaves  of  which  are  pitcher- 
shaped,  resembling  an  old-i'ashioned  side-saddle,  six  of  which  generaUy 
belong  to  each  plant.  Each  of  these  pitchers  wiU  hold  nearly  a  wine- 
glassful,  and  are  generally  filled  with  water  and  aquatics,  which  undergo 
decomposition,  or  a  sort  of  digestion,  and  serve  as  a  nutriment  to  the  plant. 
This  animal  characteristic  is  also  illustrated  in  the  sensitive  2il(int 
(Mimosa  Sensitiva),  which  the  slightest  touch  suffices  to  make  it  close 

its  folioles.  If  we  cut  with 
scissors  the  extreme  end  of  one 
foUole  the  others  immediately 
approach  in  succession.  This 
irritation  is  not  local,  but  com- 
municates from  circle  to  circle, 
and  propagates  itself  from  leaf 
to  leaf.  Up  to  a  certain  point 
it  gets  accustomed  to  outside 
interference.  Touching  it  again 
Sensitive  Plant  and  again  wiU  habituate  it  to 

the  movement    and  fail  to  re- 
spond, as  if  it  were  owing  in  the  first  instance  to  fright. 

The  sleep  of  plants  vaguely  recalls  to  us  the  sleep  of  animals. 
Their  period  of  sleep  is  mostly  at  night,  and  any  interested  person  may 
observe  this  habit  in  a  variety  of  plauts,  as  many  of  them  when  asleep 
are  difficult  to  recognize  in  their  bearing.  The  leaves  are  rolled  up,  or 
become  reversed,  as  in  the  genus  Sida  and  the  Lupinus.  The  Vetch, 
the  Sweet-pea,  the  Broad  Bean,  in  their  sleep  rest  their  leaves  during 
the  night  one  against  the  other. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  21 

Parental  solicitude  is  displayed  in  the  orach-root  (Atrtplex  liortensis). 
The  leaves  of  this  plant  fall  back  upon  the  young  shoots,  and  enclose 
them  whenever  the  effects  of  the  atmosphere  would  injure  them.  This 
is  also  seen  in  the  chickweed  at  night. 

The  folding  of  some  flowers  in  the  ateence  of  the  sun,  and  the  open- 
ing of  others  as  soon  as  that  luminary  has  withdrawn  his  beams,  are 
ascribable  to  various  causes.  The  white  marigold  closes  its  flowers  on 
the  approach  of  rain,  and  the  dwarf  Colendrina  folds  up  its  bright 
crimson  corolla  about  four  o'clock  every  afternoon ;  whUe,  on  the  con- 
trary, the  plant  commonly  called  Four  o'clock^  whose  flower  remains 
closed  all  day,  opens  precisely  at  the  hour  of  four.  The  evening  prim- 
rose will  not  open  its  large  yellow  flower  till  the  sun  has  sunk  below  the 
honzon.  On  the  other  hand,  the  Sun-flower  is  always  seen  bending  its 
face  {vis-d-vis)  in  the  direction  of  the  sun,  and  follows  its  course  during 
the  entire  diurnal  round,  from  its  rise  in  the  Orient,  or  East,  in  the 
morning,  to  its  decline  in  the  Hesperian  region,  or  west,  in  the  evening. 
The  Bilphiwn  laciniatum,  or  compass-weed,  always  points  its  leaves 
towards  the  north  star.  The  Night-blowing  Cereus  only  expands  its 
flowers  about  midnight.  Indeed,  some  flowers  are  so  regular  in  their 
opening  or  shutting,  that  the  great  botanist,  LiNN^EUS,  formed  what 
he  called  ''^Flora's  Timepiece,^^  in  which  each  hour  was  represented 
by  the  flower  which  opened  or  closed  at  that  particular  time.  An 
arrangement  of  this  kind  may  be  seen  in  the  following 

Floral  Clock : 

Between  3  and  4  A.M  Bind- weed  of  the  hedgerows. 

At  5  A.M Naked  stalked  Poppy  and  most  of  the 

Chichoracese. 

Between  5  and  6  A.M Nipplewort  and  the  Day  LHy. 

At  6  A.M Many  of  the  Solanace^  (Night-shade) 

family. 

Between  6  and  7  A.M Sow  Thistle  and  Spurrey. 

At  7  A.M Water  Lilies,  Lettuceb. 

At  7  to  8  A.M Venus'  Looking-Glass. 

At  8  A.M Wild  Pimpernel. 

At  9  A.M Wild  Marigold. 

At  9  to  10  A.M Ice  Plant. 

At  11  A.M Purslain,  Star  of  Bethlehem. 

At  13 Most  of  the  Ficoid,  or  Mesembryanthe- 

naum  family. 

At  2  P.M ScUla  Pomeridiana. 

Between  5  and  6  P.M Silene  Noctiflora. 

Between  6  and  7  P.M Marvel  of  Peru. 

Between  7  and  8  P.M Cereus  Grandiflorus,  Tree  Primrose, 

At  10  P.M Purple  Convolvulus. 


22  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  I  would  remark  that  certain  equinoctial 
flowers  open  and  close  at  a  fixed  time  in  the  same  day  ;  on  the  morrow, 
and  for  several  following  days,  they  again  open  and  shut  at  the  same 
regiilar  hours.  The  Star  of  Bethlehem  opens  several  days  in  succession 
at  eleven  in  the  morning,  and  closes  at  three.  The  Ficoides  Noctijlara 
blows  several  days  in  succession  at  seven  in  the  evening,  and  closes  about 
six  or  seven  in  the  morning. 

Besides  the  cases  in  which  flowers  open  and  shut  their  coroUas  by  the 
influence  of  hght,  instances  are  known  in  which  merely  the  petals  roll 
up  by  day,  and  resume  their  natural  shape  after  sunset.  A  remarkable 
circumstance  respecting  the  effect  of  atmospheric  influence  is,  that  the 
same  causes  do  not  affect  all  plants,  and  yet  no  peculiarity  of  construc- 
tion has  been  discovered  in  those  so  affected  to  distinguish  them  from 
those  that  are  not. 

Every  student  of  nature  can  witness  much  more  that  is  of  general 
interest  regarding  the  habits,  so  to  speak,  and  characteristics  of  plants. 
They  have  been  a  favorite  theme  in  all  ages.  Lovers  have  dwelt  on 
them  and  given  them  a  language.  Nearly  every  one  delights  in  the 
flowering  plants.  Who  would  refuse  a  bouquet  of  choice  flowers  ?  This 
attachment  to  flowers  was  pathetically  illustrated  in  the  Highland  emi- 
grants in  Canada,  who  wept  when  they  found  that  the  heather  would 
not  grow  in  their  newly-adopted  soil.  And  well  they  might,  for  it  is  the 
flower  of  their  native  mountains,  and  associated  with  all  their  brightest 
and  tenderest  recollections.  In  the  age  of  chivalry  the  daisy  was  re- 
nowned ;  and  St.  Louis,  of  France,  took  it  and  a  lily  for  a  device  in  his 
ring,  as  emblematic£d  of  his  wife  and  country.  The  thistle,  like  the 
famous  geese  of  Rome,  saved  Scotland,  and  for  this  reason  it  is  the  na- 
tional emblem  of  that  coimtiy.  During  the  Danish  invasion,  one  of 
their  soldiers  placed  his  naked  foot  on  the  spiny  leaves  of  a  thistle,  and 
instinctively  uttered  a  cry  which  awoke  the  slumbering  Scots,  who 
turned  upon  their  foes,  defeated,  and  drove  them  from  their  land. 

The  poetry  attached  to  plants,  however,  is  not  of  immediate  concern 
in  this  volume.  It  is  their  medicinal  properties  which  engages  our  study 
and  demands  our  labors.  Yet  I  could  not  so  weU  establish  their  supe- 
rior fitness  as  curative  agents  above  the  mineral  drug  unless  I  gave  that 
which  is  of  general  interest.  One  fact  will  be  apparent  to  the  reader, 
that  plants  have  life,  and  hence  are  eminently  suitable  to  give  life  to  the 
Buffering  patient.  The  lifeless  inorganic  mineral  haa  none,  and  can  give 
DO  vital  element. 


THE   COMPLETE    HERBALIST,  23 


EPITOME  OF  BOTAli^T. 


That  the  reader  may  more  intelligently  understand  the  description 
of  the  medicinal  plants  in  this  book,  the  author  has  deemed  it  prudent  to 
preface  the  part  of  this  work  dedicated  to  Herbal  Materia  Medica  with 
a  brief  analysis  of  the  plant,  as  made  by  the  botanist.  This  becomes 
particularly  necessary,  inasmuch  as  a  plant  cannot  be  accurately 
described  unless  scientific  language  be  employed ;  but,  nevertheless, 
throughout  this  whole  work  it  has  been  the  aim  of  the  author  to  use  the 
plainest  language,  and  not  to  weary  the  reader  by  as  pedantic  employ- 
ment of  technical  terms  and  scientific  language. 

Nothing  more  will  be  given  than  the  anatomy  of  the  plant,  as  nothing 
of  systematic  botany  need  be  known  to  the  reader  to  recognize  the  plant, 
or  to  acquaint  himself  with  the  medicinal  properties  thereof.  If  he  has 
not  a  common  acquaintance  with  a  medicinal  plant,  but  desires  it  for 
domestic  medication,  it  is  important  that  he  should  know  that  he 
employs  the  proper  herb,  and  not  use  one  which  simulates  it.  It  has 
therefore  been  the  aim  of  the  author  to  give  accurate  descriptions  of  the 
herbs,  so  that  the  gatherer  may  not  err  in  his  selection  of  the  plant 
which  his  case  may  need. 

All  parts  of  the  plant  are  used  in  medicine — sometimes  the  seed  only ; 
in  others  the  flower,  the  leaves,  root,  rhizome  ;  in  others  two  or  more  of 
these  parts,  and,  again,  in  others  the  whole  plant. 

ANATOIVIY  OF  A  PLANT. 

THE  ROOT. 

The  root  of  a  plant  is  that  portion  which  is  usually  found  in  the  earth, 
the  stem  and  leaves  being  in  the  air.  The  point  of  union  is  called  the 
collar  or  neck  of  the  plant. 

A  fibrous  root  is  one  composed  of  many  spreading  branches,  as  that  of 
barley. 

A  conical  root  is  one  where  it  tapers  regularly  from  the  crown  to  the 
apex,  as  that  of  the  carrot. 

A  fusiform  root  is  one  when  it  tapers  up  as  well  as  down,  as  that  of 
the  radish. 

A  r.apiform  root  is  one  when  much  swollen  at  the  base,  so  as  to  be- 
come broader  than  long,  as  that  of  the  turnip. 

A  fasciculated  root  is  one  when  some  of  the  fibres  or  branches  are 
thickened. 

A  tuberiferous  root  is  one  when  some  of  the  branches  assume  the 
form  of  rounded  knobs,  as  that  of  the  potato. 


24  THE    COJIPLETE    HERBALIST. 

A  palmate  root  is  one  when  these  knobs  are  branched. 

Aerial  roots  are  those  emitted  from  the  stem  into  the  open  air,  aS 
that  of  Indian  com. 

A  rhizoma,  or  root  stock,  is  a  prostrate  stem  either  subterranean  or 
resting  on  the  surface,  as  that  of  calamus,  or  blood-root. 

A  tuber  is  an  enlargement  of  the  apex  of  a  subterranean  branch  of 
the  root,  as  that  of  the  common  potato  or  artichoke. 

A  cormus  is  a  Heshy  subterranean  stem  of  a  round  or  oval  figure,  as 
in  the  Indian  turnip. 

A  bvilb  is  an  extremely  abbreviated  stem  clothed  with  scales,  as  that 
of  the  lily. 

THE   STEM. 

The  stem  is  tliat  portion  of  the  plant  which  grows  in  an  opposite 
direction  from  the  root,  seeking  the  Ught,  and  exposing  itself  to  the  air. 
All  flowering  plants  possess  stems.  In  those  which  are  said  to  be  stem- 
less,  it  is  either  very  short,  or  concealed  beneath  the  ground. 

An  herb  is  one  in  which  the  stem  does  not  become  woody,  but  dies 
down  to  the  ground  at  least  after  flowering. 

A  shrub  is  a  woody  plant,  branched  near  the  ground,  and  less  than 
five  times  the  height  of  man. 

A  tree  attains  a  greater  height,  with  a  stem  unbranched  near  the 
groiind. 

The  stem  of  a  tree  is  usually  called  the  trunk ;  in  grasses  it  has  been 
termed  the  culm. 

Those  stems  which  are  too  weak  to  stand  erect  are  said  to  be  decum- 
bent, procumbent,  and  prostrate 

A  stolon  is  a  form  of  a  branch  which  curves  or  falls  down  to  the 
ground,  where  they  often  strike  root. 

A  sucker  is  a  branch  of  subterraneous  origin,  which,  after  ninning 
horizontally  and  emitting  roots  in  its  course,  at  length  rises  out  of  the 
ground  and  forms  an  erect  stem,  which  soon  becomes  an  independent 
plant,  as  iflustrated  by  the  rose,  raspberry,  etc, 

A  runner  is  a  prostrate,  slender  branch  sent  off  from  the  base  of  the 
parent  stem. 

An  offset  is  a  similar  but  shorter  branch,  with  a  tuft  of  leaves  at  the 
end,  as  in  the  houseleek. 

A  spine  is  a  short  and  imperfectly  developed  branch  of  a  woody  plant, 
as  exhibited  in  the  honey-locust. 

A  tendril  is  commonly  a  slender  leafless  branch,  capable  of  coiling 
spirally,  as  in  the  grape  vine. 

TITE   LEAP. 
The  leaf  is  commonly  raised  on  an  unexpanded  part  or  stalk  which  is 
called  the  petiole,  wliile  Uie  expanded  portion  is  termed  the  lamina. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  25 

limb,  or  blade.  When  the  vessels  or  fibres  of  the  leaves  expand  im- 
mediately on  leaving  the  stem,  the  leaf  is  said  to  be  sessile.  In  such 
cases  the  petiole  is  absent.  When  the  blade  consists  of  a  single  piece 
the  leaf  is  simple ;  when  composed  of  two  or  three  more  with  a 
branched  petiole,  the  leaf  is  compound. 

The  distribution  of  the  veins  or  framework  of  the  leaf  in  the  blade  is 
termed  venation. 

A  lanceolate  leaf  has  the  form  of  a  lance. 

An  ovate  leaf  has  the  shape  of  ellipsis. 

A  cuneiform  leaf  has  the  shape  of  a  wedge. 

A  cordate  leaf  has  the  shape  of  a  heart. 

A  reniform  leaf  has  the  shape  of  a  kidney. 

A  sagittate  leaf  is  arrow-shaped. 

A  hastate  leaf  has  the  shape  of  an  ancient  halberd, 

A  peltate  leaf  is  shaped  like  a  shield. 

A  serrate  leaf  is  one  in  which  the  margin  is  beset  with  sharp  teeth, 
which  point  forward  towards  the  apex. 

A  dentate  leaf  is  one  when  these  teeth  are  not  directed  towards  the 
apex. 

A  crenate  leaf  has  rounded  teeth. 

A  sinuate  leaf  has  alternate  concavities  and  convexities. 

A  pinnate  leaf  has  the  shape  of  a  feather. 

A  pectinate  leaf  is  one  having  very  close  and  narrow  divisions,  like 
the  teeth  of  a  comb. 

A  lyrate  leaf  has  the  shape  of  a  lyre. 

A  runcinate  leaf  is  a  lyrate  leaf  with  sharp  lobes  pointing  towards 
the  base,  as  in  the  dandehon. 

A  palmate  leaf  is  one  bearing  considerable  resemblance  to  the  hand. 

A  pedate  leaf  is  one  bearing  resemblance  to  a  biid's  foot. 

An  obovate  leaf  is  one  having  the  veins  more  developed  beyond  the 
middle  of  the  blade. 

When  a  leaf  at  its  outer  edge  has  no  dentations  it  is  said  to  be  entire. 
When  the  leaf  terminates  in  an  acute  angle  it  is  acute,  when  in  an  ob- 
tuse angle  it  is  obtuse.  An  obtuse  leaf  with  the  apex  slightly  depressed 
is  retuse,  or  if  more  strongly  notched,  emarginate.  An  obovate  leaf 
with  a  wider  or  more  conspicuous  notch  at  the  apex  become  obcordate, 
being  a  cordate  leaf  inverted.  When  the  apex  is  cut  off  by  a  straight 
transverse  line  the  leaf  is  truncate )  when  abruptly  terminated  by  a 
small  projecting  point  it  is  mucronate ;  and  when  an  acute  leaf  has  a 
narrowed  apex  it  is  acimiinate.     In  ferns  the  leaves  are  called  fronds. 

THE   FLOWER. 

The  flower  assumes  an  endless  variety  of  forms,  and  we  shall  assume 
in  the  dissection  merely  the  typical  form  of  it. 
2 


26  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

The  organs  of  a  flower  are  of  two  sorts,  viz.  :  1st.  Its  leaves  or  en- 
velopes ;  and  2d,  those  peculiar  organs  having  no  resemblance  to  the 
envelopes.  The  envelopes  are  of  two  kinds,  or  occupy  two  rows,  one 
above  or  within  the  other.  The  lower  or  outer  row  is  termed  the 
Calyx,  and  commonly  exhibits  the  green  color  of  the  leaves.  The  inner 
row,  which  is  usually  of  more  dehcate  texture  and  forms  the  most  showy 
part  of  the  flower,  is  termed  the  Corolla.  The  several  parts  of  the 
leaves  of  the  Corolla  are  called  Petals,  and  the  leaves  of  the  Calyx  have 
received  the  analogous  name  of  Sepals.  The  floral  envelopes  are  col- 
lectively called  the  Perianth. 

The  essential  organs  enclosed  within  a  floral  envelope  are  also  of  two 
kinds  and  occupy  two  rows  one  within  the  other.  The  first  of  these, 
those  next  withhi  the  petals,  are  the  Stamens.  A  stamen  consists  of  a 
stalk  called  the  Filament,  which  bears  on  its  summit  a  rounded  body 
termed  the  Anther,  fiUed  %vith  a  substance  called  the  Pollen. 

The  seed-beariug  organs  occupy  the  centre  or  summit  of  a  flower,  and 
are  called  Pistils.  A  pistil  is  distinguished  into  three  parts,  viz.  :  1st, 
the  Ovary,  contaiuiag  the  Ovales ;  2d,  the  Style,  or  columnar  pro- 
longation of  the  ovary  ;  and  3d,  the  Stigma,  or  termination  of  the  style. 

AH  the  organs  of  the  flower  are  situated  on,  or  gro-mi  out  of,  the  apex 
of  the  flower-stalk,  into  which  they  axe  inserted,  and  which  is  called 
the  Torus  or  Receptacle. 

A  plant  is  said  to  be  monCEcious,  where  the  stamens  and  pistils  are  in 
separate  flowers  on  the  same  individual,  dioecious,  where  they  occupy 
Beparate  flowers  on  different  individuals,  and  polygamous  where  the 
stamens  and  pistils  are  separate  in  some  flowers  and  united  in  others, 
either  on  the  same  or  two  or  three  different  plants. 

THE  FRUIT. 

The  principal  kinds  may  be  briefly  stated  as  foUows  : — 

A  follicle  is  the  name  given  to  such  fruit  as  borne  by  the  larkspur 
or  milkweed. 

A  legume  or  pod  is  the  name  extended  to  such  fruit  as  the  pea  or 
bean. 

A  drupe  is  a  stone  fruit,  as  the  plum,  apricot,  etc. 

An  achenium  is  the  name  of  the  fruit  as  borne  by  the  butter-cup,  &c. 

A  cremocarp  is  the  fruit  of  the  Poison  Hemlock  and  similar  plants. 

A  caryopsis  is  such  fruit  as  borne  by  the  wheat  tribe. 

A  nut  is  exemplified  by  the  fruit  of  the  oak,  chestnut,  &c. 

A  samara  is  tho  name  appUed  to  the  fruit  of  the  maple,  birch,  and  elm. 

A  berry  is  a  fruit  fleshy  and  pulpy  throughout,  as  the  grape,  goose- 
berry, etc. 

A  pome  ifl  such  as  the  apple,  pear,  &c. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  27 

A  pepo  is  the  name  applied  to  the  fruit  of  the  pumpkin,  cucum- 
ber, &c. 
A  capsule  is  a  general  term  for  all  dry  fruits,  such  as  lobeha,  &c. 
A  silique  is  such  fruit  as  exhibited  in  Shepherd's  purse,  &c. 
A  cone  or  strobile  is  a  collective  fruit  of  the  fir  tribe,  magnoUa,  &a 

THE   SEED. 

The  seed,  like  the  ovule  of  which  it  is  the  fertilized  and  matured 
state,  consists  of  a  nucleus,  usually  enclosed  within  two  integuments, 
The  outer  integument  or  proper  seed  coat  is  variously  termed  the 
episperm,  spermoderin,  or  testa. 

An  annual  plant  is  one  which  springs  from  the  seed,  flowers  and 
dies  the  same  year. 

A  biennial  plant,  such  as  the  radish,  carrot,  beet,  &c.,  does  not 
flower  the  first  season. 

A  perennial  plant  is  one  not  absolutely  depending  upon  the  stock  of 
the  previous  season,  but  annually  produces  new  roots  and  new  accumu- 
lations. 


MEDICIlSrAL  PEOPERTIES  AT^D 
PEEPARATIOl^S. 

Evert  herb  employed  in  the  cure  of  diseases,  whether  in  its  natural 
state  or  after  having  undergone  various  preparations,  belongs  to  the 
Herbal  Materia  Medica,  in  the  extended  acceptation  of  the  term.  It 
shall,  however,  be  our  purpose  only  to  describe  each  separate  herb  in  its 
living  state,  or  the  medicinal  part  thereof,  and  not  dwell  much  upon  the 
forms  usually  prepared  by  the  apothecary  or  physician.  In  this  portion 
of  our  work  we  propose  to  give  an  account  of  all  the  most  important 
medicinal  herbs  necessary  for  the  cure  of  diseases.  No  herb,  however, 
is  to  be  despised  or  regarded  as  worthless  because  of  its  not  finding 
mention  in  this  work ;  but,  as  previously  stated,  that  each  and  every 
plant  has  its  virtues,  though  to  describe  all  recognized  as  medicinal 
would  make  the  work  too  voluminous,  and  in  price  far  exceed  the 
reach  of  the  milUon.  The  various  properties  of  medicinal  agents  have 
been  designated  as  follows  : — 

Absorbents  or  Antacids  are  such  medicines  that,  counteract  acidity 
of  the  stomach  and  bowels. 

Alteratives  are  medicines  which,  in  certain  doses,  work  a  gradual 
cxue  by  restoring  the  healthy  functions  of  different  organs. 

Anodynes  are  medicines  which  relieve  pain. 


28  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

Anthelmintics  are  medicines  which  have  the  power  of  destroying 
or  expelling  worms  from  the  intestinal  canal. 

Antiscorhutics  are  medicines  which  prevent  or  cure  the  scurvy. 

Antispasmodics  are  medicines  given  to  relieve  spasm,  or  irregular 
and  painful  action  of  muscles  or  muscular  fibres,  as  in  Epilepsy,  St. 
Vitus'  Dance,  etc. 

Aromatics  are  medicines  which  have  a  grateful  smell  and  an  agree- 
able pungent  taste. 

Astringents  are  those  remedies  which,  when  applied  to  the  body, 
render  the  solids  dense  and  firmer. 

Carminatives  are  those  medicines  which  dispel  flattilency  of  the 
stomach  and  bowels. 

Cathartics  are  medicines  which  accelerate  the  action  of  the  bowels, 
or  increase  the  discharge  by  stool. 

Demulcents  are  medicines  suited  to  prevent  the  action  of  acrid 
and  stimulating  matters  upon  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  throat, 
lungs,  etc. 

Diaphoretics  are  medicines  that  promote  or  cause  perspirable  dis- 
charge by  the  skin. 

Diuretics  are  medicines  which  increase  the  flow  of  urine  by  their 
action  upon  the  kidneys. 

Emetics  are  those  medicines  which  produce  vomiting. 

E.MMENAC1OGUES  are  medicines  which  promote  the  menstrual  discharge. 

Emollients  are  those  remedies  which,  when  appUed  to  the  solids  of 
the  body,  render  them  soft  and  flexible. 

Erriiines  are  substances  which,  when  applied  to  the  lining  mem- 
brane of  the  nostrils,  occasion  a  discharge  of  mucous  fluid. 

Epispastics  are  those  which  cause  blisters  when  applied  to  the  surface. 

Esciiakotics  are  substances  used  to  destroy  a  portion  of  the  surface 
of  the  body,  forming  sloughs. 

Exi'ECTOr.vnts  are  medicines  capable  of  facilitating  the  excretion  of 
mucus  from  the  chest. 

Narcotics  are  those  substances  having  the  property  of  diminishing 
the  action  of  the  nen^ous  and  vascular  systems,  and  of  inducing  sleep. 

Rubefacients  are  remedies  which  excite  the  vessels  of  the  skin  and 
increase  its  heat  and  redness. 

Sedatives  are  medicines  which  have  the  power  of  allaying  the  ac- 
tions of  the  systems  generaUy,  or  of  lessening  the  exercise  of  some  par- 
ticular function. 

SlALAGOGUKS  are  medicines  which  increase  the  flow  of  the  saliva. 

Stimulants  are  medicines  capable  of  exciting  the  vital  energy, 
whether  as  exerted  in  sensation  or  motion. 

Tonics  are  those  medicines  which  increase  the  tone  or  healthy  ac- 
tion, or  strength  of  the  living  system. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  29 

PHARMACEUTIC    PREPARATIONS. 

ACETA  or  Vinegars  are  medicinal  preparations  where  viaegar  is  used 
ae  the  dissolving  agent. 

^Etherea  or  Ethers  are  ethereal  tinctares. 

Aqu^  or  Waters  consist  of  water  impregnated  with  some  medicuial 
substance,  as  a  volatile  oil. 

Cataplasms  are  external  applications  or  poultices. 

Cerates  are  agents  intended  for  external  application,  and  are  com- 
posed of  wax,  spermaceti,  combined  with  fatty  matter,  and  in  which 
resins  and  powders,  etc.,  are  frequently  amalgamated. 

Confections  are  medicines  in  the  form  of  a  conserve. 

Decoctions  are  solutions  procured  from  the  various  parts  of  herba 
by  boiling  them  in  water. 

Dragees  are  sugar-coated  pills. 

Enemas  or  Injections.  These  consist  of  medicinal  agents  in  the 
form  of  infusion,  decoction,  or  mixture,  and  designed  to  be  passed  into 
the  rectum  and  other  passages. 

Extracts.  When  an  infusion,  decoction,  or  tincture  is  reduced  to  a 
soft  soUd  mass,  by  evaporation,  it  is  termed  an  extract. 

Fluid-Extracts.  These  are  concentrated  medicinal  principles,  not 
reduced  to  a  solid  or  nearly  semi-fluid  consistence,  the  evaporation  not 
being  carried  so  far  as  in  ordinary  extracts.      (See  page  475) 

Infusions  are  solutions  of  vegetable  principles  in  water,  effected 
without  boiling. 

Liniments.  These  preparations  are  designed  for  external  application, 
and  should  always  be  of  such  a  consistence  as  will  render  them  capa- 
ble of  easy  apphcation  to  the  skin  with  the  naked  hand  or  flannel. 

Lotions.  These  comprise  all  compounds  used  as  external  washes  in 
which  vegetable  substances  are  dissolved. 

Mixtures  are  either  liquid  or  solid  compounds,  and  which  are  sus- 
pended in  aqueous  fluids  by  the  intervention  of  some  viscid  matter,  as 
mucilage,  albumen,  etc. 

Oils  are  the  products  of  various  herbs  by  distillation  with  water. 

Pills  are  medicinal  properties  formed  into  a  mass  and  rolled  into 
globular  forms.     A  bolm  is  a  large  pill. 

Plasters  are  designed  for  external  apphcation  ;  the  medicinal  agent  is 
usually  spread  on  cloth  or  chamois  leather. 

Powders  are  medicinal  herbs  in  a  pulverized  state. 

Saturates  are  similar  to  fluid-extracts,  being,  however,  prepared 
without  the  employment  of  heat. 

Syrups  are  liquid  medicines  of  a  viscid  consistence,  produced  by  con- 
centrated solutions  of  sugar  alone  or  mixed  with  honey. 

Tinctures.  These  are  preparations  obtained  by  subjecting  medicinal 
herbs  to  the  action  of  alcohol. 


30  THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

Trociiees  or  Lozenges  are  medicinal  substances  in  powder,  which 
are  formed  into  solid  cakes  by  the  aid  of  sugar  and  gum. 

Unguenta  or  Ointments  are  fatty  matters,  in  which  are  incorpo- 
rated certain  medicines,  and  are  designed  for  external  use. 

Wines.  These  are  tinctures  of  medicinal  agents  which  are  insoluble 
in  water,  or  which  do  not  require  as  stimulant  a  solvent  as  alcohol,  but 
which  are  capable  of  yielding  their  virtues  to  wine. 


WEIGHTS  AI^D   MEASUEES. 

That  no  error  may  occur,  I  will  here  append  the  weights  and  meas- 
ures employed  in  pharmacy,  together  with  the  symbols  designating  each 
quantity.  It  is  necessary  to  understand  but  two  measures,  as  the 
author  has  conformed  all  the  soUd  or  liquid  quantities  to  these  meas- 
ures.    These  are : — 


1st. — Apothecaries'  Weight. 

20  grains  (gr.) 1  scruple. 

3  scruples  (3) 1  drachm. 

8  drachms  (3) 1  ounce. 

12  otmces  (§) 1  pound  (Ih). 

The  doses  of  powders,  extracts,  and  all  such  that  are  not  fluid  are  in- 
tended to  correspond  with  this  weight. 

2d. — ^Apothecaries'  Measure. 

60  mininis  (Ifl) 1  fluid  drachm. 

8  fluid  drachms  (f  3  ) 1  fluid  ounce. 

16  fluid  ounces  (f  ^  ) 1  pint. 

8  pints  (0) 1  gallon  (cong). 

The  quantities  of  all  fluids  mentioned  in  this  book  agree  with  this 
measure,  though  the  word  fluid  or  the  symbol  (f)  is  omitted  in  most 
instances. 

It  is  not  to  be  supposed,  however,  that  in  all  families  measuring  grad- 
uates are  to  be  found  ;  hence  a  comparison  of  these  measures  with  tea, 
dessert,  and  table  spoons,  etc.,  becomes  necessary  to  simplify  the  fluid 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


31 


measTire.     The  weiglit  of  any  quantity  I  shoiild  always  advise  to  be  cor- 
rectly ascertained  by  scales  : — * 

Comparison. 

A  drop  corresponds  with  a  minim. 

A  teaspoonfol  "  u    u  fl^j^  drachm. 

A  dessertspoonftd  "  "    "  three  fluid  drachms. 

A  tablespoonful  "  "    u  oQg.iialf  fluid  ounce. 

A  wineglassful  "  "    "  two  fluid  ounces. 

A  teacupful  "  "    "  gill  (4  f  3  ). 

In  the  body  of  this  work  the  quantity  has  been  stated,  with  but  few 
exceptions,  in  which  each  medicine  must  ordinarily  be  given  to  produce 
its  peculiar  effects  upon  the  adult  patient.  But  there  are  circumstances 
which  modify  the  dose,  and  demand  attention,  the  most  important  of 
which  is  the  age  ;  hence  the  following  table,  exhibiting  the  dose  propor- 
tioned to  the  age,  should  receive  careful  reference  in  domestic  prac- 
tice : — 

Table. 


The  dose  for  a  person  of  age  being 


1  or    1  drachm. 


That  of  a  person  from  14  to  21  years  will  be    f  or    2  scruples. 


of 


7  to  14 

i  or    ^  drachm 

4to    7 

^  or    1  scruple. 

4 

;^  or  15  grains. 

3 

^  or  10  grains. 

3 

i  or    8  grains. 

1 

iV  or    5  grains. 

i 

"iV  or    4  grains. 

The  following  rule,  however,  is  a  little  more  simple : — 

For  children  under   12  years  the  dose  of  most  medicines  must  be 

diminished  in  the  proportion  of  the  age  to  the  age  increased  by  12 ; 

thus,  at  two  years  the  dose  will  be  \  of  that  for  adults,  viz.  : — 


2Tl2  =  l4°^75^^4'^^^^"4Tl2 


4        1 
16  ""^  4- 


*  The  weights  used  in  the  British  Pharmacopoeia  are  the  Imperial  or  avordupois  pound, 
ounce,  and  grain,  and  the  terms  drachm  and  scruple,  as  designating  specific  weiglits,  are 
discontinued.  The  ounce  contains  IST^  grams,  and  the  pound  7,000  grains.  The  Im 
perial  Measure  contains  8  fluid  drachms  to  the  ounce,  20  fluid  ounces  to  the  pint,  and  8 
pints  to  the  gallon. 


32 


THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 


HEEBAL  MATEEIA  MEDIOA. 


ACACIA  VERA. 

Common  Names.     Gum  Arabic^  Egyptian  TJwrn. 
Medicinal  Part.     The  concrete  juice  or  gum. 

Description. — Acacia  Vera  is  a  small  tree  or  slirub,  but  Bometimes 
attains  the  height  of  forty  feet.  The 
leaves  are  bipinnate  and  smooth,  leaflets 
eight  or  ten  pairs.  Spines  sharp  and  in 
pairs.  Flowers  in  globose  heads,  and  the 
fruit  a  legume. 

History.  — The  tree  inhabits  the  southern 
portion  of  Asia  and  the  upper  portion  of 
Africa.  The  gum  flows  naturally  from  the 
bark  of  the  trees,  in  the  form  of  a  thick 
and  rather  frothy  liquid,  and  speedily  con- 
cretes into  tears ;  sometimes  the  discharge 
is  promoted  by  wounding  the  trunk  and 
branches.  The  more  raptured  the  tree, 
the  more  giim  it  yields.  The  best  quality 
of  Gum  Arabic  is  colorless,  or  very  pale 
yellow-white,  shining,  transparent  in  smaU  fragments,  hard  but  pulver- 
able,  inodorous,  and  of  a  sweet  and  viscous  taste.  It  invariably  forma 
a  white  powder.  Cold  or  hot  water  dissolves  its  own  weight,  forming 
a  thick  mucilaginous  solution. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  gum  is  nutritive  and  demulcent,  and  exerts 
a  remarkably  soothing  influence  upon  irritated  or  inflamed  mucous 
surfaces,  by  shielding  them  from  the  influence  of  deleterious  agents, 
atmospheric  air,  etc.  It  is  useful,  in  diarrhoea  and  dysentery,  to  remove 
griping  and  painful  stools,  in  catarrh,  cough,  hoarseness,  consumption, 
gonorrhoea,  and  all  inflammatory  conditions  of  the  mucous  surfaces.  For 
lung  diseases  it  is  especially  an  indispensable  vehicle  in  which  to  carry 
the  necessary  curative  and  powerful  cori'ective  agents,  while  at  the  same 
time  its  nutritive  qualities  also  exert  a  good  influence,  often  supplying 
the  place  of  food  where  the  stomach  is  too  weak  to  partake  of  anything 
else.  It  may  be  given  almost  ad  libitum  in  powder,  lozenge,  or  solution, 
alone  or  combined  with  syrups,  decoctions,  etc  It  constitutes  the 
menstruum  of  my  well-known  Acacian  Balsam,  see  page  4()'J. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


33 


ADDER'S  TONGUE   (Erythronum  Americanxjm). 

Common  Names.     Bog-Tooth  Violet,  SerpenVs  Tongue,  etc. 

Medicenal  Parts.     The  bulb  and  leaves. 

Description.  — This  is  a  perennial  plant,  springing  from  a  bulb  at  some 
distance  below  the  surface.  The  bulb  is  white  internally  and  fawn- 
colored  externally.  The  leaves  are  two,  lanceolate,  pale  green,  with 
purplish  or  brownish  spots,  and  one  nearly  twice  as  wide  as  the  other. 
It  bears  a  single  drooping  yellow  flower,  which  partially  closes  at  night 
and  on  cloudy  days.     Fruit  a  capsule. 

History. — This  beautiful  little  plant  is  among  the  earliest  of  our  spring 
flowers,  and  is  found  in  rich  open  grounds,  or  in  thin  woods  throughout 
the  United  States,  flowering  in  April  or  May.  The  leaves  are  more 
active  than  the  roots  ;  both  inii3art  their  virtues  to  water. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  emetic,  emollient,  and  antiscorbutic  when 
fresh  ;  nutritive  when  dried.  The  fresh  root  simmered  in  milk,  or  the 
fresh  leaves  braised  and  often  applied  as  a  poultice  to  scrofulous  tumors 
or  ulcers,  together  with  a  free  internal  use  of  an  infusion  of  them,  is 
highly  useful  as  a  remedy  for  scrofula.  The  expressed  juice  of  the  plant, 
infused  in  cider,  is  very  beneficial  in  dropsy,  and  for  relieving  hiccough, 
vomiting,  and  hem.atemesis,  and  bleeding  from  the  lower  bowels. 


AGRIMONY  (Ageimonia  Eupatoria). 

Common  Names.     Cocklehurr  or  Sticklewort. 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  root  and  leaves. 

Description. — Agrimony  has  a  reddish,  tapering, 
not  creeping  root,  with  brown  stems  covered  vsdth 
soft  silky  hairs ;  two  or  three  feet  high ;  leaves 
alternate,  sessUe,  interruptedly  pimiate.  The  sti- 
pule of  the  upper  leaves  large,  rounded,  dentate,  or 
palmate.  The  flowers  grow  at  the  top  of  the  stem, 
are  yellow,  small,  and  veiy  numerous,  one  above 
another  in  long  spikes,  after  which  come  rough 
heads  hanging  downwards,  which  will  stick  to  gar- 
ments or  anything  that  rubs  against  them. 

History. — This  perennial  plant  is  found  in  Asia, 
Europe,  Canada,  and  the  United  States,  along  road- 
sides, and  in  fields  and  woods,  flowering  in  July  or 
August.  Both  the  flowers  and  roots  are  fragrant, 
but  harsh  and  astringent  to  Ihe  taste,  and  yield 
their  properties  to  water  or  alcohol. 

Properties  and  Uses.  — It  is  a  mild  tonic,  alterative, 
and  astringent.    Useful  in  bowel  complaints,  chronic 
mucous  diseases,  chronic  affections  of  the  digestive  organs,  leucorrhoea, 
2*  o 


Agrimony. 


34  THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

certain  cutaneous  diseases,  etc.  A  strong  decoction,  sweetened  witl! 
honey,  Ls  an  invaluable  cure  for  scrofula,  if  persisted  in  for  a  length  of 
time.  It  is  exceedingly  useful  in  gravel,  asthma,  coughs,  and  obstmcted 
menstruation.  As  a  gargle  for  sore  throat  and  mouth,  it  is  very  service 
able. 
Dose. — Powder,  one  teaspoonful ;  decoction,  a  wineglassful. 

ALDER  (Pkinos  Verticillatus). 

Common  Name.     Winterlerry. 

Medicinal  Parts.     TJie  bark  and  berries. 

Description. — This  is  an  indigenous  shrub  of  irregular  growth,  with  a 
stem  six  or  eight  feet  in  height ;  bark  grayish  and  alternate  branches. 
The  leaves  are  ovate,  acute  at  the  base,  oUve  green  in  color,  smooth 
above  and  downy  beneath.  Flowers  small  and  white  ;  calyx  small  and 
six-cleft ;  corolla  divided  into  six  obtuse  segments.     Fruit  a  berry. 

History. — Black  Alder  is  common  throughout  the  United  States  and 
England,  growing  in  moist  woods,  swamps,  etc.,  flowering  from  May  to 
July,  and  maturing  its  fruit  in  the  latter  part  of  autumn.     It  yields  its 
virtues  to  water  by  decoction  or  infusion.   The  bark  has  a  bitterish,  sub 
astringent  taste,  and  the  berries  have  a  sweetish  taste. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  tonic,  alterative,  and  astringent.  It  Is 
very  beneficial  in  jaundice,  diarrhoea,  gangrene,  dropsy,  and  all  diseases 
attended  with  great  weakness.  Two  drachms  of  the  powdered  bark  and 
one  drachm  of  powdered  golden  seal  infused  in  a  pint  of  boUing  water, 
and,  when  cold,  taken  in  the  course  of  the  day,  in  doses  of  a  wineglass- 
ful, and  repeated  daily,  has  proved  very  efiicacious  in  dyspepsia.  Ex 
temally  the  decoction  forms  an  excellent  local  application  in  gangrene, 
indolent  ulcers,  and  some  affections  of  the  skin.  The  berries  are  cathar- 
tic and  vermifuge,  and  form,  with  cedar  apples,  a  pleasant  and  effectual 
worm  medicine  for  children. 

Dose. — Powdered  bark,  half  a  drachm  to  a  drachm ;  decoction,  a  tea- 
gpoonful  three  or  four  times  a  day. 

ALE  HOOF  (Nepeta  Glechoma). 

Common  Names.  OiU-go-by-the-grovnd,  Oround  Ivy,  CaVs-Footy 
Txtrnlwof,  <&e. 

Medicinal  Part.     T7ie  leaver. 

Description. — This  plant  is  a  perennial  gray,  hairy  herb,  with  a  pro- 
cumbent creeping  stem,  varj'ing  in  length  from  a  few  inches  to  one  or 
two  feet.  The  leaves  have  petioles,  cordate,  and  hairy  on  both  sides. 
The  flowers  are  bluish  purple.  The  corolla  is  about  three  times  as  long 
OS  the  calyx. 

Ilistory.— This  plant  is  common  to  the  United  States  and  Europe, 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  35 

where  it  is  found  in  shady  places,  waste  grounds,  dry  ditches,  &c.  It 
flowers  in  May  or  August.  The  leaves  impart  their  virtues  to  boiling 
water  by  infusion.  They  have  an  unpleasant  odor,  and  a  harsh,  bitter- 
ish, slightly  aromatic  taste. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  stimulant,  tonic,  and  pectoral,  and  is  use- 
ful ta  diseases  of  the  lungs  and  Iddneys,  asthma,  jaundice,  hypochon- 
dria, and  monomania.  An  infusion  of  the  leaves  is  very  beneficial  in 
lead-coUc,  and  painters  who  make  use  of  it  are  seldom,  if  ever,  troubled 
with  that  afiEection.  The  fresh  juice  snuffed  up  the  nose  often  cures 
the  most  inveterate  headache 

Dose. — Powder,  half  a  drachm  to  a  drachm ;  infusion,  one  or  two 
fluid  ounces. 

ALL-HEAL   (^Prthstella  ViTLGARrs). 

Common  Najies.     Hercules  Wound  Wort,  Panay,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     T/w  root. 

Description. — This  shrub  sometimes  attains  the  height  of  five  feet, 
but  is  usually  much  smaller.  The  stem  is  strong  and  round,  with  many 
joints,  with  some  leaves  thereat.  The  leaves  consist  of  five  or  six  pair 
of  wings,  and  when  chewed  have  a  bitterish  taste.  The  root  is  thick 
and  long,  the  juice  of  which  is  hot  and  biting.  The  flower  is  a  small 
and  yellow  one,  and  the  seeds  whitish  yeUow,  short  and  flat. 

Hi^to-ry. — This  plant  is  found  in  England  and  other  parts  of  Europe. 
In  England  it  flowers  usually  until  the  end  of  summer,  but  in  other 
parts  of  Europe  it  flowers  from  May  to  December. 

Properties  and  Uses. — All-heal  is  a  iiungent  and  bitter  tonic  and  anti- 
Bpasmodic.  It  has  also  vermifuge  properties,  and  is  slightly  diuretic. 
It  is  excellent  for  cramps,  fits,  f aUing  sickness,  convulsions,  etc.  (infe- 
rior, however,  to  Blue  Vervain).  In  obstructions  of  the  liver  it  serves  a 
good  purpose.  It  sometimes  cures  the  toothache  by  inlserting  cotton 
saturated  with  the  j  aice  into  the  decayed  places  of  the  teeth. 

ALMONDS  (Amtgdalus  Communis). 

Amygdala  Amara,  Bitter  Almonds ;  Amygdala  Dulcis,  Siceet  Al- 
monds. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  kernels. 

Descnption. — The  almond  tree  is  from  ten  to  eighteen  feet  high,  with 
a  pale-brown  rugged  bark,  and  dividing  into  many  branches.  The 
leaves  are  of  a  bright  Ught  green,  two  to  four  inches  long,  and  about 
three-fourths  of  an  inch  wide.  Flowers  are  moderately  large,  pink  or 
white,  sessile,  in  pairs,  and  appearing  before  the  leaves.  Calyx  reddish, 
petals  variable  in  size.     The  fruit  is  a  hoary  drupe  ;  stone  oblong  or 


36  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

ovate,  hard  in  various  degrees,  always  rugged  and  pitted  -with  irregnilar 
holes.     Both  the  bitter  and  sweet  almonds  come  from  this  tree. 

Histoi'7/. — The  almond  tree  is  indigenous  to  most  of  the  southern 
parts  of  Asia  and  Barbarj',  but  is  cultivated  in  Southern  Europe.  The 
best  of  the  sweet  kind  comes  from  Malaga.  The  sweet  kernel  is  with- 
out odor,  and  of  a  pleasant  flavor ;  that  of  the  bitter  is  also  inodorous, 
unless  rubbed  with  water,  when  it  exhales  a  smell  similar  to  Prussic 
acid.  Its  taste  is  similar  to  that  of  peach-meats.  Both  vaiieties  con- 
tain oil — the  sweet  a  fixed  oil,  the  bitter  both  a  fixed  and  an  essential 
oil,  impregnated  with  Prussic  acid.  The  oil  of  bitter  almonds  has  a 
golden  color,  an  agreeable  odor,  an  acid  bitter  taste,  combustible,  and 
is  a  poison  acting  in  the  same  manner  as  Prussic  acid.  One  di-achm  of 
this  oil,  dissolved  in  three  drachms  of  alcohol,  forms  the  "essence  of 
almonds  "  much  used  by  confectioners,  perfumers,  etc.  The  oil  is  also 
much  used  by  soap-makers. 

Pr^iwrtles  and  Use^. — Triturated  with  water,  sweet  almonds  produce  a 
white  mixture  called  emulsion,  or  7mlk  of  almonds,  bearing  a  remarkable 
analogy  with  animal  milk.  It  is  used  as  a  demulcent  and  vehicle  for 
other  medicines.  The  oil  is  demulcent  in  smaU  quantity,  in  larger 
doses  laxative.  It  is  frequently  employed  in  cough,  diseases  dependent 
upon  intestinal  initation,  and  for  mitigating  acrimonious  urine  in  calcu- 
lous affections. 

Dose. — Of  the  oil,  a  teaspoonful. 


ALNUS  RUBRA  (Tag  Alder). 

Common  Names.     ComTuon  Aldei\  Smooth  Alder. 

Medicin.\l  P.\rt.     The  bark. 

Description. — This  is  a  well-known  shrub,  growing-  in  clumps,  and 
forming  thickets  on  the  borders  of  ponds  and  rivers,  and  in  swamps. 
The  stems  are  numerous,  and  from  six  to  fifteen  feet  high.  The  leaves 
are  obovate,  acuminate,  smooth,  and  green,  from  two  to  four  inches 
long. 

llistory. — The  Alnua  Rubra  is  indigenous  to  Europe  and  America,  and 
blossoms  in  March  and  AjDril.     The  bark  is  the  part  used  medicinally. 

Proj^erties  and  Uses. — The  bark  is  universally  acknowledged  to  be 
alterative  and  emetic,  and  is  especially  recommended  for  scrofula,  sec- 
ondary syphilis  (inferior,  however,  to  Rock  Rose  or  Stillingia),  and  cu- 
taneous diseases,  of  which  there  are  many  varieties,  some  of  which 
have  and  some  of  which  have  not  been  classified.  The  active  principle 
of  Almts  Rubra,  as  prepared  for  practitioners,  is  called  Alnuin,  and  is 
most  excellent  in  cases  of  dyspepsia  produced  by  inactivity  of  the  gastrio 
glands. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


37 


AMARANTH  (Amaranthus  Hypochondriasis). 

Common  Names.    Prince's  Feather^  Red  CocKs  Comh^  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  leaves. 

Descriptimi. — This  is  an  annual  herb,  with  a  stout  upright  stem,  from 
from  three  to  four  feet  high.     The  leaves  are  ob- 
long,   lanceolate,    mucronate,    green,    with    a    red 
purplish  spot,  clustered  flowers,  five  stamens. 

History. — This  plant  is  a  native  of  the  Middle 
States,  where  it  is  cultivated  in  gardens  as  an  or- . 
namental  plant,  but  contains  more  medicinal  virtues 
in  its  wild  state.    It  flowers  in  August.     The  leaves 
impart  their  virtues  to  water. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Amaranth  is  astringent. 
The  decoction  drank  freely  is  a  valuable  domestic 
remedy  for  menorrhagia,  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  and 
hemorrhage  from  the  bowels.  It  is  useful  as  a 
local  apphcation  to  ulcers  of  the  mouth  and  throat, 
as  an  injection  for  leucorrhcea,  and  as  a  wash  to 
foul,  indolent  ulcers. 


ANEMONE  (Anemone  Nemorosa). 


Amaranth. 


Common  Name.     Wind  Flower. 

Medicinal  Parts.     Root,  herb,  arid  seed. 

Description. — This  is  a  delicate  and  pretty  plant,  with  a  creeping  root, 
simple  erect  stem,  six  to  nine  inches  high,  bearing  but  a  single  flower  ; 
leaves  temate  ;  sepals,  four  to  six  ;  stamens  and  ovaries  numerous. 

History. — This  plant  is  common  to  Europe  and  the  United  States, 
bearing  purplish  and  white  flowers  in  April  and  May.  The  Meadoio 
Anemone  of  Europe  is  the  most  active  in  its  medicinal  qualities.  Its 
active  principle  is  called  Anemonine.  This  plant  affords  the  Pidsatilla 
of  the  Homaopaths. 

Projm-ties  and  Uses. — Anemone  in  solution  has  been  applied  exter- 
nally to  scald  head,  tdcers,  syphilitic  nodes,  paralysis,  cataract,  and 
opacity  of  the  cornea,  with  benefit.  A  decoction  is  sometimes  used  as 
an  emmenagogue  for  secondary  syphilis,  whooping-cough,  etc.  The 
leaves,  fresh  and  bruised,  act  as  a  rubefacient.  Care  should  be  taken 
in  its  internal  administration,  as  it  is  acrid  and  poisonous. 

A  plant  of  the  same  family.  Anemone  Cyliiulrica,  is  used  by  the  In- 
dians for  the  cure  of  the  rattle-snake  bite.  They  chew  some  of  the  tops 
of  the  plant,  swallowing  but  little  of  the  saliva,  then  apply  it  to  the  bite  ; 
in  a  few  minutes  the  bite  is  rendered  harmless. 

Dose. — Decoction,  a  tablespoonful  ;  anemonine,  one  grain. 


38  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

ANGELICA  (Angelica  Atropurpurea). 

Common  Name.     Mnsterwort. 

Medicinal  Part.    Root,  herb,  and  seed. 

Description.  — This  plant  is  five  or  six  feet  hig-h.  The  root  has  a  pnr- 
ple  color ;  leaves  teruate.  with  large  petioles ;  calyx  five-toothed,  with 
equal  petals,  and  the  fruit  a  nut. 

Iliiitory. — The  plant  is  perennial,  and  grows  in  fields  and  damp  places, 
developing  greenish-white  flowers  from  May  to  August.  The  plant  has 
a  powerful,  peculiar^  but  not  unpleasant  odor,  a  sweet  taste,  afterwards 
pungent ;  but  in  drying  it  loses  much  of  these  qualities. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  aromatic,  stimulant,  carminative,  diapho- 
retic, expectorant,  diuretic,  and  emmenagogne.  It  is  used  in  flatulent 
cohc  and  heart-bum.  It  is  serviceable  in  diseases  of  the  urinary  organs. 
The  A.  Archnngelica,  or  Archangd.  may  be  substituted  for  this. 

Dose. — Decoction,  two  to  four  ounces ;  powder,  thirty  to  sixty  grains. 

ANISE  (Pimpinella  Anisum). 

CoMiiON  Name.     Aniseed. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  fruit. 

Description.  —Anise  has  a  perennial,  spindle-shaped,  woody  root,  and 
a  smooth,  erect,  branched  stem,  about  ten  or  twelve  inches  in  height. 
The  leaves  are  petiolated,  roundish,  cordate,  serrate  ;  flowers  small  and 
white,  disposed  on  long  stalks.  Calyx  wanting,  or  minute.  The  fruit  is 
ovate,  about  an  eighth  of  an  inch  long,  dull  brown,  and  slightly  downy. 

History. — It  is  a  native  of  Egyi^t,  but  now  cultivated  in  many  of  the 
warm  countries  of  Europe.  The  Spanish  Aniseed  is  commonly  used 
for  medicinal  purposes.  The  odor  of  anise  is  penetrating  and  fragrant, 
the  taste  aromatic  and  sweetish.  It  imparts  its  virtues  wholly  to  alco- 
hol, only  partially  to  water.  That  used  in  cordials  is  the  l^tar  Anise, 
which  is  procured  from  the  lUicium  Anisaium,  a  plant  of  Eastern  Asia. 
Its  volatile  oil  is  often  fraudulently  substituted  for  the  European  oil  of 
anise. 

Frojierties  and  Uses. — Stimulant  and  carminative ;  used  in  cases  of 
flatulency,  colic  of  infants,  and  to  remove  nausea.  Sometimes  addtd 
to  other  medicines  to  improve  their  flavor  or  to  correct  disagreeable 
effects. 

Dose.—  Of.  the  seed,  twenty  to  forty  grains;  essence,  thirty  drops  to  a 
teaspoonful. 

ALOES  (Aloe  Spicata). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  inspissated  juice  of  the  leaves. 

Description. — The  epLked  aloe  is  an  inhabitant  of  the  southern  parts 


THK    COMPLETE   HERBALIST.  39 

of  Africa,  growing  in  sandy  soil.  The  stem  is  woody,  rotmd,  and  about 
four  feet  liigh,  and  from  three  to  five  inches  in  diameter.  The  leaves 
are  thick  and  fleshy,  with  a  few  white  spots.  Spike  a  foot  long- ;  flow- 
ers scarlet,  and  filled  with  purplish  honey.  This  tree  furnishes  the 
Cape  Aloes  of  commerce.  There  are  other  varieties,  the  A.  Socotrina  and 
the  A.  vulgaris.  The  Socotrine  aloes  is  an  inhabitant  of  Socotra,  and 
the  Aloe  Vulgaris  is  generally  found  in  the  East  Indies  and  Barbary. 

History. — Aloes  is  of  a  deep  brown  or  oUve  color ;  odor  unpleasant, 
taste  peculiar  and  bitter,  powder  a  bright  yeUow.  These  properties 
change  somewhat  in  the  different  varieties.  It  is  almost  completely 
dissolved  in  water. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Aloes  is  tonic,  purgative,  emmenagogue,  and 
anthelmintic.  As  a  laxative  its  apphcations  are  limitless.  It  acts 
chiefly  upon  the  rectum,  causing  heat  and  irritation  about  the  anus  ;  it 
is  therefore  improper,  unless  associated  with  other  medicines,  to  give  it 
to  patients  suffering  with  pUes.  It  promotes  the  menstrual  flow,  but 
when  used  for  this  purpose  it  had  better  be  combined  with  myrrh.  Its 
chief  use  is  as  a  purgative,  and  it  should  never  be  given  in  inflamma- 
tory affections,  in  gastritis  or  enteritis,  or  to  females  liable  to  sudden 
uterine  evacuation,  or  during  pregnancy. 

Dose. — Two  to  ten  grains  in  pill. 

ASARABACCA  (Asaruii  Europium), 

Common  Names.     Hazlewort,  or  Wild  Na/rd. 

Medicinal  Parts.     Boot  and  leaves. 

Description. — The  stem  of  this  plant  is  very  short,  simple  round  and 
herbaceous,  bearing  dark-green  reniform  leaves ;  also  one  drooping 
flower  of  purple  color,  without  coroUa.     The  fruit  is  a  capsule. 

History.  — This  is  a  European  plant,  growing  in  moist  hilly  woods,  and 
flowers  from  May  to  August.  The  root,  when  dried,  has  a  pepper-like 
odor,  spicy  taste,  and  yields  an  ash-colored  powder ;  the  leaves  give  a 
green  powder,  and  have  the  same  medicinal  properties  as  of  the  root. 
They  impart  their  virtues  to  water  or  alcohol. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Emetic,  cathartic,  and  errhine.  Used  princi- 
pally as  an  errhine  in  certain  affections  of  the  brain,  eyes,  face,  and 
throat,  toothache,  and  paralysis  of  the  mouth  and  tongue.  It  is  used 
by  drunkards  in  France  to  promote  vomiting. 

Dose. — Powder,  10  or  12  grains ;  as  an  emetic,  from  one-half  to  one 
drachm. 

ATA-PAJ^A  (Aya-pana  Eupatorium). 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  wJiole  plant. 

Description. — While  traveling  in  Paraguay,    South  America,    some 


40 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


years  ago,  I  became  acquainted  vdth  a  species  of  Enpatorivm  or  Lung- 
wort called  Ai/a-paJia,  possessed  of  most  ex- 
traordinary virtues  La  consumption  and  other 
diseases  of  the  chest.  In  Paraguay,  which  ia 
a  very  pai-adise  on  earth,  numerous  medicinal 
herbs  of  exceeding  great  value  grow  to  the 
greatest  perfection.  The  Aya-pana  belongs 
to  the  class  of  Eupatoriutn  Perfoliatum,  though 
quite  unlike  the  Jjimgicort  and  Thm'ough-'wort, 
indigenous  to  North  America.  The  Aya-pana 
is  only  found  on  the  eastern  slope  of  the 
Andes,  on  the  mountain  sides,  along  the  sun- 
ny banks  of  streams,  and  beautifiUly  luxuriant 
on  aU  the  tributaries  to  the  Amazon,  and  La 
Plata  especially.  It  is  a  perennial  plant,  with 
numerous  erect,  round,  hairy  stems,  five  to 
ten  feet  high,  the  stalk  plain  below,  but 
branching  out  in  numerous  stems  near  the 
top.  The  leaves  grow  on  the  opposite  sides  of 
ya-pana.  ^^  stalk  in  pairs,  each  pair  being  joined  at 

the  base.  The  direction  of  each  pair  of  leaves  is  at  right  angles  with 
that  of  the  pair  either  above  or  beneath.  The  leaves  are  long  and  nar- 
row, broadest  at  the  base  where  they  coalesce,  gradually  tapering  to  a 
sen-ated  point,  wrinkled,  paUsh  green  on  the  under  surface,  and  beset 
with  white  silken  hairs,  which  add  much  effect  to  their  greenish-gray 
color.  The  flowers  are  snow-white,  slightly  tinged  ■with  a  purpUsh  hue 
at  the  end,  very  numerous,  supported  on  hairy  peduncles.  The  calyx 
is  cylindrical,  and  composed  of  imbricated,  lanceolate,  hairy  scales,  in- 
closing from  twelve  to  fifteen  tubular  florets,  having  their  border  divid- 
ed into  five  spreading  segments.  There  are  five  black  anthers  united  in 
a  tube,  through  which  a  bifid  filiform  style  projects  above  the  flower, 
rendering  the  whole  a  beautiful  and  picturesque  plant. 

nistory. — It  flowers  constantly  during  the  dry  or  sunny  season,  the 
blossoms  and  leaves  being  only  used  for  medicinal  purposes.  The  flow- 
ers are  better  than  the  leaves,  have  an  aromatic  odor,  resembling  slight- 
ly chamomile,  and  po.ssess  a  strong  bitter  taste,  somewhat  hke  hore- 
hound  or  quassia,  which  virtue  is  imparted  either  to  water  or  alcohol. 
Resin,  gum,  balsam,  and  mucilage  are  among  the  principal  constituents 
of  the  flowers.  The  flowers  are  gathered  in  the  morning  on  sunny  days, 
carefully  dried  in  the  sun  or  by  ai'tificial  heat,  when  they  are  put  up  in 
bags  or  cedar  boxes,  and  become  ready  for  medicinal  use.  Prepared  in 
this  way,  the  flowers  and  leaves  retain  their  properties  for  years,  im- 
proving in  their  virtues  by  age,  adding  to  their  rich  honey -like  yellow 
coloring  matter  when  distilled  for  medical  purposes. 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  41 

Properties  and  Uses. — This  plant  may  rightly  be  regarded  as  a  specific 
in  all  forms  of  pulmonary  and  bronchial  affections.  It  has  also  great 
influence  over  the  valvular  action  of  the  heart,  in  its  healthful  invigor- 
ation  of  the  arterial  and  venous  systems,  and  its  wonderful  power  in 
expelling  carbonic  acid  from  the  air-cells  and  pulmonary  vessels,  prior 
to  the  elimination  of  rich  vermihon  blood  through  the  great  aorta  of 
the  human  economy. 

It  is  one  of  the  ingredients  of  my  ' '  Acacian  Balsam  "  (see  page  469), 
which,  with  various  other  remarkable  medicinal  agents,  forms  one  of  the 
most  wonderful  remedies  for  coughs,  colds,  and  consumption  ever  com- 
pounded. The  plant  is  not  much  known  in  this  country,  and  only  im- 
ported by  myself,  and  can  consequently  not  be  had  in  apothecaries'. 

BALM  (Melissa  Officinalis). 

Medicinal  Part.     TJie  herb. 

Deseription. — Balm  is  a  perennial  herb,  with  upright,  branching,  four- 
sided  stems,  from  ten  to  twenty  inches  high.  The  leaves  are  broadly 
ovate,  acute,  and  more  or  less  hairy.  The  flowers  are  pale  yeUow,  with 
ascending  stamens. 

Histcyry. — Balm  is  a  native  of  France,  but  naturalized  in  England  and 
the  United  States.  It  grows  in  fields,  along  road-sides,  and  is  well 
known  as  a  garden  plant,  flowering  from  May  to  August.  The  whole 
plant  is  oSicinal  or  medicinal,  and  should  be  collected  previous  to  flow- 
ering. In  a  fresh  state  it  has  a  lemon-like  odor,  which  is  nearly  lost  by 
drying.  Its  taste  is  aromatic,  faintly  astringent,  with  a  degree  of  per- 
sistent bitterness.  Boiling  water  extracts  its  \-irtues.  Balm  contains  a 
bitter  extractive  substance,  a  little  tannin,  gum,  and  a  peculiar  volatile 
oil.  A  pound  of  the  plant  yields  about  four  grains  of  the  oil,  which  is 
of  a  yeUovsdsh  or  reddish-yellow  color,  very  liquid,  and  possessing  the 
fragrance  of  the  plant  in  a  high  degree.  The  Nepeta  Citriodora.,  a  pow- 
erful emmenagogue,  is  sometimes  cultivated  and  employed  by  mistake 
for  Balm.  It  has  the  same  odor,  but  may  be  distinguished  by  having 
both  surfaces  of  the  leaves  hairy. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  moderately  stimulant,  diaphoretic,  and 
antispasmodic.  A  warm  infusion,  dranJc  freely,  is  veiy  serviceable  to 
produce  sweating,  or  as  a  diaphoretic  in  fevers.  It  is  also  very  useful 
in  painful  menstruation,  and  also  to  assist  the  coxirses  of  females.  When 
given  in  fevers,  it  may  be  rendered  more  agreeable  by  the  addition  of 
lemon- juice.     The  infusion  may  be  taJsen  at  pleasure. 

BALMOiSnr  (Chelone  Glabra). 

Common  Names.     Snake  head.,  Turtle  Uoom.  Salt  rheum  weed. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  leaves. 

DescrijJtion. — This  is  a  perennial,  smooth,  herbaceous  plant,  with 


42  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

simple  erect  stem  about  two  or  three  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  oppo- 
site, sessile,  oblong-lanceolate,  acuminate,  serrate,  and  of  a  dark  shining 
green  color.     The  fruit  is  a  capsule. 

History. —  This  valuable  medical  plant  is  found  in  the  United  States, 
in  damp  soUs,  flowering  in  August  and  September.  The  flowers  are 
ornamental,  and  vary  in  color  according  to  the  variety  of  the  plant.  The 
leaves  are  exceedingly  bitter,  but  inodorous,  and  impart  their  virtues  to 
water  and  alcohol. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  tonic,  cathartic,  and  anthelmintic ;  very- 
valuable  in  jaimdice,  liver  diseases,  and  for  the  removal  of  worms.  In 
small  doses  it  is  a  good  tonic  in  dyspepsia,  debility  of  the  digestive 
organs,  and  during  convalescence  from  febrile  and  inflamnaatory  dis- 
eases. An  ointment  made  from  the  fresh  leaves  is  valuable  for  piles, 
inflamed  breasts,  tumors,  and  painful  ulcers. 

Dose. — Of  the  powdered  leaves,  one  drachm  ;  of  the  tincture,  one  or 
two  teaspoonsful ;  of  the  active  principle,  Chehnin^  one  or  two  grains. 

BARBERRY  (Berberis  Vulgaris). 

Medicinal  Part.     Bark  and  berries. 

Description. — Barberry  is  an  erect,  deciduous  shrub,  from  three  to 
eight  feet  high,  with  leaves  of  an  obovate-oval  form,  terminated  by  soft 
bristles,  about  two  inches  long,  and  one-third  as  wide.  The  flowers  are 
small  and  yeUow,  in  clusters,  and  the  fruit  bright-red  oblong  berries,  ia 
branches,  and  very  acid. 

History. — This  shrub  is  found  in  the  New  England  States,  on  the 
mountains  of  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia,  among  rocks  and  hard  gravelly 
son.  OccasionaUy  it  is  found  in  the  West  on  rich  groimds.  It  flowers 
in  April  and  May,  and  ripens  its  fruit  in  June.  Its  active  principle  is 
Berberina. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  tonic  and  laxative,  indicated  in  jaundice, 
chronic  diarrhoea,  and  dysentery.  The  berries  form  an  agreeable  acidu- 
lous draught,  useful  as  a  refrigerant  in  fevers ;  the  bark  is  bitter  and 
astringent,  and  used  in  the  treatment  of  jaundice.  The  bark  of  the  root 
is  the  most  active ;  a  teaspoonful  of  the  powder  wiU  act  as  a  purgative. 
A  decoction  of  the  bark  or  berries  will  be  found  of  service  as  a  wash  or 
gargle  in  aphthous  sore  mouth  and  chronic  ophthalmia. 

BAYBERRY   (Myrica  Cerifera.). 

Common  Name.     Wax  Myrtle. 
Medicinal  Part.     The  bark  of  the  root. 

Description. — This  shrub  is  branching  and  partially  evergreen,  and 
varies  in  height  from  two  to  a  dozen  feet.     The  flowers  aj^pear  ia  May, 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


43 


Baybeny. 


before  tlie  leaves  are  fiilly  expanded.  The  fruits  are  small  and  globular, 
resembling  berries,  which  are  at  first  green, 
but  become  nearly  white.  They  consist  of  a 
hard  stone,  inclosing  a  two-lobed  and  two- 
seeded  kernel.  On  the  outside  of  the  stone 
are  gunpowder-like  grains,  and  over  these  is 
a  crust  of  diy  greenish-white  wax. 

History. — Bayberry  is  found  in  woods  and 
fields,  from  Canada  to  Florida.  The  bark  of 
the  root  is  the  oflBcinal  part,  but  the  wax  is 
also  used.  Water  must  be  employed  to  ex- 
tract the  astringent  principles  of  the  root- 
bark,  alcohol  to  extract  its  stimulating  virtues. 
The  period  at  which  the  root  should  be  col- 
lected is  the  latter  part  of  fall.  Cleanse  it 
thoroughly,  and  while  fresh  separate  the  bark 
with  a  hammer  or  club.  Dry  the  bark  thor- 
oughly and  keep  it  in  a  dry  place  ;  then  pulverize,  and  keep  the  powder 
in  dark  and  sealed  vessels.  In  order  to  obtain  the  wax,  boil  the  berries 
in  water ;  the  wax  will  soon  float  on  the  surface,  and  may  be  removed 
when  it  becomes  cold  and  hardened. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  bark  has  been  successfully  used  in  scrofula, 
jaundice,  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  and  in  other  cases  where  astringent 
Btimulants  were  indicated.  Powdered,  it  has  been  employed  as  a  snuff, 
with  curative  effect,  in  catarrh  of  the  head  and  nasal  polypus.  It  is 
sometimes  applied,  in  poultice  form,  to  old  tdcers,  sores,  tumors,  etc.  ; 
but  is  better  for  these  when  combined  with  Bloodroot.  The  wax  pos- 
sesses mild  astringent  with  narcotic  properties.  The  real  properties  of 
Bayberry  bark  are  found  in  a  preparation  caEed  Myricin,  which  is  a 
stimulant  and  astringent,  and  can  be  employed  to  the  best  advantage  in 
dysentery  with  typhoid  symptoms,  chronic  diarrhoea,  scrofula,  and  fol- 
licular stomatitis.  Its  greatest  and  most  salutary  infliience  is  exerted 
over  a  diseased  condition  of  the  mucous  surface.  Myricin  should  be 
administered  internally  by  the  advice  of  a  physician  acquainted  with 
its  virtues.  It  may  be  applied  externally  to  sores,  ulcers,  etc.,  by  any- 
body ;  but  its  immediate  effects  must  be  neutralized  by  a  poultice  of 
slippery  elm 


ARBERRY  (Aectostaphylos  Uva-Ursi). 

Common  Nami:.     The  Upland  Cranberry. 
MEDicnsTAL  Part.     TJie  Leaves. 

Description. — Bearberry  is  a  small,  perennial   shrub,  having  a  long 
fibrous  root.     The  stems  arc  woody  and  trailing ;  bark  smooth.     The 


44  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

leaves  are  alternate,  evergreea,  obovate,  acute,  and  have  short  petioles. 
The  fruit  is  a  small,  scarlet-colored  drupaceous  berry. 

History. — This  plant  is  a  perennial  evergreen,  common  in  the  northern 
part  of  Europe  and  America.  It  grows  on  dry,  sterile,  sandy  soils,  and 
gravelly  ridges.  The  berries  ripen  in  winter,  although  the  flowers 
appear  from  June  to  September.  The  green  leaves,  picked  from  the 
stems  in  the  fall  and  dried  in  a  moderate  heat,  are  the  parts  used. 
These  leaves  are  odorless  until  reduced  to  powder,  when  the  odor 
emitted  is  like  that  of  dried  grass.  The  powder  is  of  a  light  brown 
color,  tinged  with  a  yellowish  green.  The  taste  is  astringent  and  bit- 
terish. The  properties  of  the  leaves  are  extracted  by  alcohol  or  water. 
A  preparation  called  Ursin  is  made  from  them. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Uva  Ursi  is  especially  astringent  and  tonic,  de- 
pending upon  these  qualities  for  the  most  of  its  good  effects.  It  is  par- 
ticularly useful  in  chronic  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  profuse  menstruation, 
piles,  diabetes,  and  other  similar  complaints.  It  possesses  rare  curative 
principles  when  administered  for  diseases  of  the  urinary  organs,  more 
especially  in  chronic  affections  of  the  kidneys,  mucous  discharges  from 
the  bladder,  inflammation  of  the  latter  organ,  and  all  derangements  of 
the  water-passages.  It  is  also  a  valuable  assistant  in  the  cure  of  gon- 
cn-hoja  of  long  standing,  whites,  ulceration  of  the  cervix  iiteri  (or  neck 
of  the  womb),  pain  in  the  vesical  region,  etc.  Many  physicians  now 
rely  upon  it  as  the  basis  of  their  remedy  for  gonorrhoea  which  is  accom- 
panied by  mucous  discharges,  and  for  all  kindred  afflictions.  Its  tannic 
acid  gives  it  great  power  in  rectifying  and  extirpating  the  obstinate  and 
disagreeable  complaints  we  have  mentioned. 

Dose. — The  dose  of  the  powder  is  ten  to  forty  grains  ;  of  the  decoc- 
tion, one  to  two  fluid  ounces — (to  make  this,  boil  a  pint  and  a  half  of  pure 
water,  containing  one  ounce  of  uva  ursi,  down  to  a  pint) ;  of  the  extract, 
five  to  ten  grains. 

BEARS  BED  (^PoLYTRicniUM  Juniperitm). 

Common  Names.     Hair- cap  Moss,  Bobiri's  lii/e,  Ground  Moss. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  w/wle  plant. 

description. — This  is  an  indigenous  plant,  having  a  perennial  stem, 
Blender,  of  a  reddish  color,  and  from  four  to  seven  inches  high ;  leaves 
lanceolate,  and  somewhat  spreading.  The  fruit  a  four-sided  oblong 
capsule. 

History. — This  evergreen  plant  is  found  in  high,  dry  places,  along  the 
margins  of  dry  woods,  mostly  on  poor  sandy  soil.  It  is  of  darker  green 
color  th:in  the  mosses  in  general.     It  yields  its  virtues  to  boiling  water. 

Properties  and  Usfs.—Thia  plant  is  not  much  kno^vn  as  a  remedial 
agent,  but  is  nevertheless  a  valuable  remedy.     It  is  a  i^owerf  ul  diuretic, 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  45 

and  very  serviceable  in  dropsy.  It  is  very  useful  in  gravel  and  urinary 
obstructions.  It  causes  no  nausea  or  disagreeable  sensations  in  the 
stomach,  and  may  be  used  with  the  hydragogue  cathartics  with  decided 
advantage  in  dropsical  affections. 

BEAD  TREE  (Melia  Azedarach). 

Common  Name.    Pride  of  China. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  hark  of  the  root. 

Description. — This  is  an  elegant  tree,  which  attains  the  height  of 
thirty  or  forty  feet,  ^vith  a  trunk  about  a  foot  and  a  half  in  diameter. 
The  bark  is  rough ;  leaves  bipinnate ;  flowers  lilac  color ;  calyx  five- 
pai^ted ;  coroUa  has  five  petals ;  stamens  deep  violet ;  anthers  yellow. 
The  finiit  is  a  five-celled  bony  nut. 

History.  —It  is  a  native  of  China,  but  cultivated  in  the  warm  climates 
of  Europe  and  America.  It  does  not  grow  to  any  extent  north  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  flowers  early  in  the  sjaring.  Its  name  of  Bead  Tree  is  derived 
from  the  use  to  which  its  hard  nuts  are  put  in  Roman  Catholic  countries, 
viz. ,  for  making  rosaries.  The  recent  bark  of  the  root  is  the  most  active 
part  for  medicinal  purijoses.  It  has  a  disagreeably  bitter  taste  and  a 
very  unpleasant  odor,  and  imparts  its  properties  to  boiling  water. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  bark  is  anthelmintic,  and  in  large  doses 
narcotic  and  emetic.  It  is  useful  in  worm  fevers  and  in  infantile  re- 
mittents, in  which,  although  worms  are  absent,  yet  the  symptoms  are 
similar  to  those  accompanying  the  presence  of  worms. 

The  fruit  is  somewhat  saccharine,  and  is  an  excellent  remedy  to  expel 
worms.  Its  pulp  is  used  as  an  ointment  for  destroying  lice  and  other 
ectozoa,  as  well  as  in  treatment  of  scald  head  and  other  diseases  of  the 
skin.  The  oil  of  the  nuts  is  useful  as  a  local  application  in  rheuma- 
tism, cramps,  obstinate  ulcers,  etc. 

Dose.  — Of  the  powdered  bark,  twenty  grains ;  of  the  decoction  (which 
is  the  best  form  for  administration — two  ounces  of  the  bark  to  a  pint  of 
water,  and  boUed  down  to  a  half  a  pint),  a  tablespoonful  every  one,  two, 
or  three  hours,  tiU  the  desired  effect  is  obtained.  A  purgative  should 
follow  its  employment. — See  '■'■  Bsnovating  Pill,''^  page  469. 

BELLADONNA  (Atropa  Belladonna). 

Common  Names.     Deadly  Wight-shade,  Dwale,  Black  Cherry,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  leaves. 

Description. — This  perennial  herb  has  a  thick,  fleshy,  creeping  root, 
and  an  annual  erect  leafy  stem  about  three  feet  high.  Leaves  ovate, 
acute,  entire,  on  short  petioles,  and  of  a  dull  green  color.  The  flowers 
are  dark  purple,  and  fruit  a  many-seeded  berry. 

History. — This  plant  is  common  to  Europe,  growing  among  ruins  and 


46 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


waste  places,  blossoming  from  May  to  August,  and  maturing  its  fruit  in 
September.  The  leaves  should  be  gathered  while  the  plant  is  in  flower. 
They  yield  their  virtues  to  water  and  alcohol. 

Properties  and  Uses.  —  Belladonna  is  an 
energetic  narcotic.  It  is  anodyne,  antispas- 
modic, calmative,  and  relaxant ;  exceedingly 
valuable  in  all  convulsive  diseases.  It  is  much 
used  as  a  preventive  of  scarlatina,  and  as  a 
cure  for  whooping-cough.  It  dilates  the  pupil 
of  the  eyes  very  measurably,  and  they  should 
always  be  watched  whenever  the  plant  is  ad- 
ministered. In  the  hands  of  the  educated 
herbal  physician  it  is  a  very  useful  remedy ; 
but  I  caution  my  readers  not  to  use  it  in 
domestic  practice. 

BETH-ROOT  (Trillium  pendulum). 

CosrvioN  Names.    Wake  Bobm^  Indian  Balm, 
Belladonna.  Ground  Lili/,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     I'lie  root. 

Description. — This  is  an  herbaceous,  perennial  plant,  having  an  oblong 
^tuberous  root,  from  which  arises  a  slender  stem  from  ten  to  fifteen 
Inches  high.  The  leaves  are  three  in  number,  acuminate,  from  three  to 
five  inches  in  diameter,  with  a  very  short  petiole.  The  flowers  are 
white,  sepals  green,  petals  ovate  and  acute,  styles  erect,  and  stigmas 
recurved. 

Histoi'i/. — This  plant  is  common  in  the  Middle  and  Western  States, 
growing  in  rich  soils  and  shady  woods,  flowering  in  May  and  June. 
There  are  many  varieties,  all  i:)ossessing  analogous  medicinal  properties. 
These  plants  may  be  generally  kno^vn  by  their  three  net-veined  leaves, 
and  their  solitary  terminal  flower,  which  varies  in  color  in  the  different 
species,  being  whitish-yeUow  and  reddish- white.  The  roots  have  a  faint 
turpentine  odor,  and  a  peculiar  aromatic  and  sweetish  taste.  When 
chewed  they  impart  an  acid  astringent  impression  to  the  mouth,  caus- 
ing a  flow  of  saliva  and  a  sensation  of  heat  in  the  throat  and  fauces. 
Trillin  e  is  its  active  principle. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  astringent,  tonic,  and  antiseptic,  and  is 
successfully  employed  in  bleeding  from  the  lungs,  kidneys,  and  womb, 
excessive  menstruation,  and  likewise  in  leucorrhcea  or  whites,  and  cough, 
asthma,  and  difficult  breathing.  Boiled  in  milk,  it  is  of  eminent  benefit 
in  diarrhoea  and  dysentery.  The  root  made  into  a  poultice  is  very  useful 
in  tumors,  indolent  and  offensive  ulcers,  stings  of  insects,  and  to  restrain 
gangrene  ;  and  the  leaves  boiled  in  lard  arc  a  good  application  to  ulcers, 
tumors,  etc.     The  red  Beth-root  will  check  ordinary  epistaxis,  or  bleed- 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  47 

tag  of  the  nose.  The  leaves  boiled  in  lard  is  a  good  external  application 
in  ulcers  and  tiunors.  A  strong  infusion  of  powdered  Beth-root,  of  from 
two  to  four  tablespoonf Ills,  is  the  most  pleasant  form  of  administration 
of  this  valuable  remedy. 

Dose  of  the  powdered  root  is  one  drachm,  to  be  given  in  hot  water ;  of 
the  infusion,  two  to  four  ounces. 

BIRDS'  NEST  (Monotropa  Uniflora). 

Common  Names.     Ice  Plant,  Fit  Plant,  Ova-ova,  Indian  Pipe. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description.— T\As  plant  has  a  dark-colored,  fibrous,  perennial  root, 
matted  in  masses  like  a  chestnut  vine,  from  which  arise  one  or  more 
short  ivory-white  stems,  four  to  eight  inches  high,  adorned  with  white, 
sessile,  lanceolate  leaves. 

History. — This  singular  plant  is  found  from  Maine  to  Carolina,  and 
westward  to  Missoviri,  growing  in  shady,  solitary  places,  in  rich  moist 
soil,  or  soil  composed  of  decayed  wood  and  leaves.  The  whole  plant  is 
ivory-white,  resembling  frozen  jelly,  and  when  handled  melts  away  like 
ice.  It  flowers  from  June  to  Sei^tember.  It  is  evidently  a  parasite  of 
the  roots  at  the  base  of  trees. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  tonic,  sedative,  and  antispasmodic.  It  is 
useful  in  fevers,  and  employed  in  instances  of  restlessness,  paias,  nervous 
irritability,  etc.,  in  place  of  opium.  It  cures  remittent  and  intermittent 
fevers,  and  may  be  employed  instead  of  quinine.  Prompt  success  has 
followed  its  use  in  convulsive  diseases.  The  juice  of  the  plant  mixed 
with  rose-water  forms  an  excellent  application  to  sore  eyes,  or  as  an  in- 
jection in  gonorrhoea.  It  is  very  siugular  that  peoi^le  will  use  injurious 
drugs,  or  permit  themselves  to  take  them,  when  in  this  queer  little  herb 
that  grows  all  aroimd  them,  and  which  by  its  singular  character  invites 
attention  to  it,  they  can  find  a  sovereign  remedy  for  numberless  ills. 

Dose. — Of  the  powdered  root,  half  a  drachm  to  a  drachm,  two  or  three 
tinies  a  day. 

BITTER  ROOT  (Apoctntjm  Andros^mipolium). 

Common  Names.     Dog^s-bane,  Milk-weed,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.    The  root. 

Description. — This  is  a  smooth,  elegant  plant,  five  or  six  feet  high, 
with  a  large  perennial  root.  The  leaves  are  dark-green  above,  pale  be- 
neath, ovate,  and  about  two  or  three  inches  long  and  an  inch  wide. 
Corolla  white,  calyx  five-cleft,  and  stamens  five.  Fruit  a  f oUicle.  Every 
part  of  the  plant  is  mUky. 

History. — This  plant  is  indigenous  to  the  United  States,  growing  in 
dry,  sandy  soils,  and  in  the  borders  of  woods,  from  Maine  to  Florida, 


48 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


flowering  from  May  to  August.  "When  any  part  of  the  plant  is  wounded 
a  milky  juice  exudes.  The  large,  milky  root  is  the  part  used  for  medi- 
cinal purposes.  It  possesses  an  impleasant  amarous  taste.  It  yields  its 
properties  to  alcohol,  but  especially  to  water.  Age  impairs  its  medicinal 
quality. 

Projierties  and  Uses. — Emetic,  diaphoretic,  tonic,  and  laxative.  It  is 
verj'  valuable  in  all  liver  or  chronic  hepatic  affections.  In  conjunction 
with  Menispermin,  it  is  excellent  in  dyspepsia  and  amenorrhcEa.  WTien 
it  is  required  to  promptly  empty  the  stomach,  without  causing  much 
nausea  or  a  relaxed  condition  of  the  muscular  system,  the  powdered 
root  may  be  given  in  two  or  three  scruple  doses ;  but  much  prostration 
is  apt  to  ensue.  As  a  laxative  it  is  useful  in  constipation.  As  a  tonic, 
ten  or  twenty  grains  may  be  given  to  stimulate  the  digestive  apparatus, 
and  thus  effect  a  corresponding  impression  on  the  general  system.  It  is 
also  useful  as  an  alterative  in  rheumatism,  scrofula,  and  syphihs. 


BITTER-SWEET  (Aji.vra  Dulcis,  Solaj^um  Dulcamara). 

Common  Names.     Mortal,  Woody  NigliUlmde,  Felon  Wort,  etc. 
]\lEDiciNAL  Part.     Bark  of  root  and  twigs. 

DescHption. —  Bitter-Sweet  is  a  woody  vine,   with  a  shrubby  stem 
eeveral  feet  in  length,  having  an  ashy  green  bark.     Leaves  acute,  and 

generally  smooth,  lower  one  cordate, 
upper  ones  hastate.  The  flowers  are 
pui-ple,  and  the  fruit  a  scarlet,  juicy 
and  bitter  berry,  which,  however, 
should  not  be  eaten  or  used. 

History. — Bitter-Sweet  is  common 
to  both  Europe  and  America,  growing 
in  moist  banks,  around  dwellings,  and 
in  low  damp  grounds,  about  hedges 
and  thickets,  and  flowering  in  June 
and  July.  The  berries  ripen  in  au- 
tumn, and  hang  upon  the  vines  for 
several  months.  After  the  foHage 
has  fallen  the  twigs  should  be  gath- 
ered. Boiling  water  and  dilute  alco- 
hol extract  their  virtues. 

Projierties  and  Uses. — It  is  a  mild 
narcotic,  diiiretic,  alterative,  diaphor- 
etic, and  discutient.  It  is  serviceable 
in  cutaneous  diseases,  syphilitic  diseases,  rheumatic  and  cachectic  affec- 
tions, ill-conditioned  ulcers,  scrofula,  indurations,  sores,  glandular 
Bwellings,  etc.     In  obstructed  menstruation  it  serves  a  good  purpose. 


Bitter-Sweet. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST,  49 

It  is  of  incalculable  benefit  in  leprosy,  tetter,  and  all  skin  diseases.  It 
excites  the  venereal  functions,  and  is  in  fact  capable  of  wide  application 
and  use.  I  regard  this  plant  as  important  as  any  in  the  herbal  kingdom, 
and  too  little  justice  is  done  to  it  by  those  under  whose  care  the  sick  are 
entrusted.     It  receives  but  half  the  homage  that  is  due  to  it. 

The  world  knows  the  virtues  of  my  "  Herbal  Ointment"  (see  page 
409),  and  which  is  in  great  measure  due  to  Bitter-Sweet,  as  it  is  one  of 
the  ingredients. 

Dose.  —  Of  the  decoction,  one  or  two  fluid  ounces  ;  extract,  two  to  five 
grains ;  powdered  leaves,  ten  to  thirty  grains. 

BLUE  FLAG  (Iris  Versicolor). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  rhkmne. 

DescHftion. — Blue  Flag  is  an  indigenous  plant,  with  a  fleshy,  fibrous 
rhizome.  The  stem  is  two  or  three  feet  in  height,  round  on  one  side, 
acute  on  the  other,  and  frequently  branched.  The  leaves  are  ensiform, 
about  a  foot  long,  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  wide.  The  fruit  a  three-ceUed 
capsule. 

History. — Blue  Flag  is  common  throughout  the  United  States,  grow- 
ing in  moist  places,  and  bearing  blue  or  purple  flowers  from  May  to 
July.  The  root  has  a  peculiar  odor,  augmented  by  rubbing  or  pulveriz- 
ing, and  a  disagreeable  taste.  It  imparts  its  viilues  to  boUing  water, 
alcohol,  or  ether.  The  root  should  be  sliced  transversely,  dried,  and 
placed  in  dark  vessels,  well  closed,  and  placed  in  a  dark  place  ;  it  will 
then  preserve  its  virtues  for  a  long  time.  The  oleo-resin  obtained  from 
it  is  called  Iridin,  its  active  principle. 

Properties  and  Uses.- — This  is  one  among  our  most  valuable  medicinal 
plants,  capable  of  extensive  use.  It  is  alterative,  cathartic,  sialogogue, 
vermifuge,  and  diuretic.  In  scrofida  and  syphilis  it  acts  as  a  .powerful 
and  efficient  agent,  and  I  employ  it  in  my  special  treatment  of  chronic 
diseases  extensively  and  successfully.  It  is  useful  in  chronic  hepatic, 
renal,  and  splenitic  affections,  but  had  best  be  combined  with  man- 
drake, poke,  black  cohosh,  etc.  It  will  sometimes  salivate,  but  it  need 
cause  no  apprehension  ;  and  when  this  effect  is  established,  it  may  be  dis- 
tinguished from  mercurial  salivation  by  absence  of  stench,  sponginess  of 
the  gums,  and  loosening  of  the  teeth. 

Dose. — Powdered  root,  five  to  ten  grains ;  Iridin,  one  grain. 

BLUE  VERVAIN  (Verbena  Hastata). 

Common  Names.      Wild  Hyssop.^  Simplcr^s  Joy. 
Medicinal  Part.     The  root  and  herb. 

Description. — ^Vervain  is  an  erect,  tall,  elegant,  and  perennial  plant, 
3  D 


50 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


Blue  Vervain. 


with  a  four-angled  stem  three  or  four  feet  high,  having  opposite 
branches.  The  leaves  are  petiolate,  ser- 
rate, acuminate,  and  hastate.  The  flower 
is  a  small  purplish  blue  one,  sessile,  and  ar- 
ranged in  long  sijikes.     Seeds,  four. 

History. —  Vervain  is  indigenous  to  the 
United  States,  and  grows  along  roadsides, 
and  in  dry,  grassy  fields,  flowering  from 
June  to  September.  It  is  also  found  in 
England,  growing  among  hedges,  by  the 
way-side,  and  other  waste  grounds,  flower- 
ing in  July,  and  the  seeds  ripening  soon 
after. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Vervain  is  tonic, 
expectorant,  sudorific,  and  antispasmodic. 
It  is  serviceable  in  mismenstruation.  It  is 
an  antidote  to  poke-poisoning.  It  expels 
worms,  and  is  a  capital  agent  for  the  cure  of 
all  diseases  of  the  spleen  and  liver.  If  given 
in  intermittent  fever,  in  a  warm  infusion  or  powder,  it  never  fails  to 
effect  a  cure.  In  all  cases  of  cold  and  obstinate  menstruation  it  is  a 
most  complete  and  advantageous  sudorific.  When  the  circulation  of  the 
blood  is  weak  and  languid,  it  will  increase  it  and  restore  it  to  its  proper 
operation.  The  infusion,  taken  cold,  forms  a  good  tonic  in  Cases  of 
constitutional  debility,  and  during  convalescence  from  acute  diseases. 
Its  value  has  been  found  to  be  great  in  scrofula,  visceral  obstructions, 
and  stone  and  gravel.  It  will  correct  diseases  of  the  stomach,  help 
coiaghs,  wheezing,  and  shortness  of  breath,  etc. ,  but  its  virtues  are  mora 
wonderful  still  in  the  effect  they  produce  upon  epilepsy,  or  falling  sick- 
ness, and  fits. 

This  great — very  great — medicinal  value  of  this  plant  was  brought  to 
my  attention  by  an  accidental  knowledge  of  the  good  it  had  effected  in 
a  long-standing  case  of  epilepsy.  Its  effects  in  that  case  were  of  the 
most  remarkable  character,  and  I  was,  therefore,  led  to  study  most  care- 
fully and  minutely  its  medicinal  peculiarities.  I  found,  after  close  in- 
vestigation and  elaborate  experiment,  that,  prepared  in  a  certain  way, 
and  compounded  with  boneset,  water-pepper,  chamomile  blossoms,  and 
the  best  of  whiskey,  it  has  no  equal  for  the  cure  of  fits,  or  falling  sick- 
ness, or  anything  like  fits ;  also  for  indigestion,  dyspepsia,  and  liver 
complaints  of  every  grade.  A  more  valuable  plant  is  not  found  within 
the  whole  range  of  the  herbal  pharmacopoeia.  See  '  '■Restorative  Assimi- 
lajit,^^  page  469. 

The  following  application  is  singularly  effective  in  promoting  the  ab- 
BOrptiou  of  the  blood,  effusion  in  bruises,  and  allaying  the  attendant 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


51 


pain :  Take  of  Vervain,  Senna,  and  'WTute  Pepper,  of  each  equal  parts ; 
make  a  cataplasm  or  plaster  by  mixing  with  white  of  eggs. 

It  is  also  most  valuable  as  a  cure  for  diarrhoea,  stomachic  and  enterio 
pains,  bowel  complaints,  and  a  superexcellent  tonic. 

I  first  brought  the  notice  of  physicians  to  this  plant  about  twelve  years 
ago,  previous  to  which  it  was  unknown  as  a  remedy,  but  which  is  now 
used  by  very  many  physicians,  whose  reports  of  its  virtues  in  various 
medical  journals,  published  works,  and  to  me  by  correspondence,  axe  aa 
flattering  as  my  own. 

Dose. — Of  the  powdered  root,  from  one  to  two  scruples  ;  the  dose  of 
the  infusion  is  from  two  to  four  wine-glassfuls  three  or  four  times  a, 
day,  if  an  emetic  is  desired. 


BLACK  COHOSH  (CmiciFUGA  Racemosa). 

Common  Names.     Rattleroot,  Squaw  Boot,  Black  SnaJce  Boot. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Desmption. — This  plant  is  a  tall,  leafy  perennial  herb,  with  a  largfe 
knotty  root,  having  long  slender  fibres.     The  stem  is  simple,  smooth, 
and  fiirrowed,   and   from   three  to  nine   feet 
high.     The  flower  is  a  small  and  fetid  one. 

History. — It  is  a  native  of  the  United  States, 
inhabiting  upland  woods  and  hillsides,  and 
flowering  from  May  to  August.  The  root  is 
the  medicinal  part.  It  contains  a  resin,  to 
which  the  names  of  Cimicifugin  or  Macrotin 
have  been  given ;  likewise  fatty  substances, 
starch,  gum,  tannic  acid,  etc.  The  leaves  of 
Cimidfuga  are  said  to  drive  away  bugs ;  hence 
its  name  from  cimex,  a  bug,  and  fugo,  to  drive 
away. 

Boiling  water  takes  up  the  properties  of  the 
root  but  partially,  alcohol  wholly. 

Projjevtics  and  Uses. — It  is  a  very  active  and 
useful  remedy  in  many  diseases.  It  is  slightly 
narcotic,  sedative,  antispasmodic,  and  exerts  a 
marked  influence  over  the  nervous  system.  It  is  successfully  used  in 
cholera,  periodical  convulsions,  fits,  epilepsy,  nervous  excitability,  asth- 
ma, delirium  tremens,  and  many  spasmodic  affections,  and  in  consump- 
tion, cough,  acute  rheumatism,  neuralgia,  and  scrofula.  Also,  very  val- 
uable in  amenorrhoea,  dysmenorrhoea,  and  other  menstrual  and  uterine 
affections,  leucorrhoja,  etc.  The  saturated  tincture  of  the  root  is  a  val- 
uable embrocation  in  all  cases  of  inflammation  of  the  nerves,  tic  doulou  - 
reux,  crick  in  the  back  or  sides,  rheumatism,  old  ulcers,  etc.     It  has  an 


Black  Cohosh. 


62  THE    COMPLETE    IIERGAIJST. 

especial  affinity  for  the  uterus,  and  as  it  reduces  very  materially  the 
ai-terial  action,  it  is,  hence,  very  useful  in  palpitation  of  the  heart,  and 
cardiac  affections  generally. 

It  exerts  a  tonic  influence  over  mucous  and  serous  tissues,  and  is  a 
superior  remedy  in  a  variety  of  chronic  diseases.  In  my  special  practice 
I  use  it  largely,  and  its  use,  in  conjimction  with  other  indicated  reme- 
dies, has  afforded  me  flattering  success  in  many  chronic  affections. 

Dose.  —  Fluid  extract,  half  a  drachm  to  two  drachms ;  solid  extract, 
four  to  eight  grains  ;  of  the  tincture  the  dose  is  from  one  to  three  tea- 
spoonsful ;  of  Cimicifugin  the  dose  is  from  one  to  six  grains, 

BLAZING   STAR  (Liatris  Squarrosa). 

Common  Names.     Gay  Feather,  DeviVs  Bit,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — There  are  three  varieties  of  this  plant  used  in  medicine. 
The  above  is  the  most  common  one.  It  has  a  tuberous  root,  and  an 
erect  annual  stem  from  two  to  five  feet  high,  linear  leaves,  and  flowers 
sessile,  and  of  bright  purple  color. 

Liatris  Spicata,  or  Button  Snake  Boot,  is  very  similar  to  the  above. 

Liatris  Scariosa,  or  Oay  Feather,  has  a  perennial  tuberous  root,  with 
a  stout  stem  from  four  to  five  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  numerous  and 
lanceolate,  lower  one  on  long  petioles. 

History. — The  two  former  are  natives  of  the  ]\Iiddle  and  Southern 
States,  and  the  latter  is  foimd  from  New  England  to  AYisconsin.  These 
splendid  natives  flower  from  August  to  September.  The  roots  have  a 
hot  bitter  taste  and  an  agreeable  turjjentine  odor.  The  virtues  are  ex- 
tracted by  alcohol. 

Properties  and  Uses. — These  plants  are  diuretic,  tonic,  stimulant,  and 
cmmenagogue.  The  decoction  is  very  useful  in  gonon-hoea,  gleet,  and 
kidney  diseases.  It  is  also  of  service  in  uterine  diseases.  As  a  gargle 
in  sore  throat  it  is  of  great  advantage.  These  plants  are  used  for,  and 
said  to  have  antidotal  powers  over  snake-bites. 

BONESET    (EUPATORITJM  Perfoliatoti). 

Common  Name.     Thorori(jlLwort. 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  tops  and  leaves. 

Description. — Boneset  is  an  indigenous  pereimial  herb,  with  a  horizon- 
tal crooked  root ;  the  stems  being  round,  stout,  rough  and  hairy,  from 
one  to  five  feet  high,  and  the  leaves  vemy,  sen-ate,  rough,  and  tapering 
to  along  point.     The  flowers  are  white  and  very  numerous. 

History.— BonesGt  grows  in  low  grounds,  on  the  borders  of  swamps  and 
streams,  throughout  the  United  States,  flowering  in  August  and  Septem- 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


53 


ber.     Alcohol  or  boiling  water  extracts  the  virtues  of  the  parts  used.     It 

has  a  feeble  odor,  but  a  very  bitter  taste.      It  contains  tannin  and  the 

extractive   salts   of   potassa.     It   is  called 

Boneset  on  account  that  it  was  formerly 

supposed  to  cause  rapid  union  of  broken 

bones. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  a  very  valu- 
able medicinal  agent.  The  cold  infusion 
or  extract  is  tonic  and  aperient,  the  warm 
infusion  diaphoretic  and  emetic.  As  a 
tonic  it  is  very  useful  in  remittent,  inter- 
mittent, and  typhoid  fevers,  dyspepsia, 
and  general  debility.  In  intermittent  fever 
a  stong  infusion,  as  hot  as  can  be  comfort- 
ably swallowed,  is  administered  for  the 
purpose  of  vomiting  freely.  This  is  also 
attended   with   profuse    diaphoresis,    and, 

sooner  or  later,  by  an  evacuation  of  the  bowels.  During  the  intermis- 
sion the  cold  infusion  or  extract  is  given  eveiy  hour  as  a  tonic 
and  antiperiodic.  In  epidemic  influenza  the  warm  infusion  is  val- 
uable as  an  emetic  and  diaphoretic,  likewise  in  febrile  diseases,  ca- 
tarrh, colds,  and  wherever  such  effects  are  indicated.  The  warm 
infusion  is  also  administered  to  i^romote  the  operation  of  other  emetics. 
Externdlly.,  used  alone  or  in  combination  with  hops  or  tansy,  etc.,  a 
fomentation  of  the  leaves  applied  to  the  bowels  is  very  useful  in  inflam- 
mation, spasms,  and  painful  affections. 

Boneset  is  one  of  the  ingredients  of  my  "  Restorative  Assimilant," 
and  is  certainly  an  excellent  adjuvant  to  the  Blue  Vervain.  (See  page 
409.) 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  from  ten  to  twenty  grains;  of  the  extract, 
from  two  to  four  grains ;  of  the  infusion,  from  two  to  four  wineglass- 
fuls. 


Boneset. 


BLACK  ROOT  (Leptaj^dbia  Virginica). 

Common  Names.     Cidvefs  Physic,  Tall  Speedwell. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — It  is  perennial,  with  a  simple,  straight,  smooth,  herba- 
'  eons  stem,  and  grows  from  three  to  four  or  five  feet  in  height.  The 
leaves  are  short  petioled,  whorled  in  fours  to  sevens,  lanceolate,  acumi- 
nate, and  finely  serrated.  The  flowers  are  white,  nearly  sessile,  and  very 
numerous.  Calyx  four-parted,  corolla  small  and  nearly  white  ;  stamens, 
two.     The  fruit  is  a  many -seeded  capsule. 

ITistory. — This  plant  is  indigenous  to  the  United  States,  but  is  to  be 
found  in  good  condition  only  in  limestone  countries.     It  is  often  discov- 


54 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


ered  in  new  soil,  in  moist  woods,  in  swamps,  etc.,  but  its  medicinal  vir- 
tues are  feeble,  excepting  when  it  is  found  where  there  is  limestone. 
The  root  is  the  part  used.  It  is  perennial,  irregular,  horizontal,  woody, 
and  about  as  thick  as  the  forefinger.  It  is  gathered  in  the  fall  of  the 
second  year.  The  fresh  root  should  never  be  used,  as  it  is  very  violent 
and  uncertain  in  its  operations.  The  dried  root,  after  having  been 
properly  prepared,  is  what  may  be  relied  uj^on  for  beneficial  effects. 
Leptandriii  is  its  active  principle. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  fresh  root  is  too  irritant  to  be  used,  although 
a  decoction  of  it  may,  with  care,  be  used  in  intermittent  fever.  The 
dried  root  is  laxative,  cholagogue,  and  tonic,  and  very  much  used  in 
chronic  hepatic  diseases.  It  is  an  excellent  laxative  in  febrile  diseases, 
and  peculiarly  applicable  in  bilious  and  typhoid  fevers.  As  a  laxative 
and  tonic  it  is  very  useful  in  dyspepsia,  especially  when  associated  with 
torpidity  of  the  liver.  In  diarrhoea  and  dysentery,  as  a  cathartic  it  fre- 
quently effects  a  cure  in  one  active  dose.  This  admirable  remedy  is  one 
of  the  ingredients  of  my  "  Eenovating  Pill,"  see  page  469. 

Dose. — Powdered  root,  twenty  to  sixty  grains;  infusion,  half  an 
ounce  ;  leptandrin,  one -fourth  grain  to  a  grain. 


BLOODROOT  (Saj^guinaria  Canadensis). 

Common  Name.  Red  Pmcoofi. 
Medicinal,  Part.  The  root. 
Description. — Bloodroot  is  a  smooth,  her 
baceous,  perennial  plant,  with  a  fibrous  root, 
which  when  cut  or  bruised  emits  an  orange- 
colored  juice.  From  each  bud  of  the  root 
stalk  there  springs  a  single  leaf  about  six 
inches  high,  and  which  is  cordate  and  reni- 
form.  The  flower  is  white,  stamens  short, 
and  anthers  yellow.  The  fruit  is  a  two-valved 
capsule. 

Histori/. — Bloodroot  grows  throughoi\t  the 
United  States,  in  shaded  woods  and  thickets, 
and  rich  soils  generally,  and  flowers  from 
March  to  June.  Although  the  whole  plant  is 
medicinal,  the  root  is  the  part  chiefly  used. 
The  fresh  root  is  fleshy,  round,  and  from  one 
to  four  inches  in  length,  and  as  thick  as  the 
fingers.  It  presents  a  beautiful  appearance  when  cut  and  placed  under 
a  microscope,  seeming  like  an  aggregation  of  minute  precious  stones. 
The  dried  root  is  dark  brown  outside,  bright  yellow  inside  ;  has  a  faint 
virose  odor,  and  a  bitter  and  acrid  taste.     It  may  be  readily  reduced  to 


Bloodroot 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  65 

powder.  Its  active  properties  are  taken  up  by  boiling  water  or  by 
alcohol.  Age  and  moisture  impair  the  qualities  of  the  root,  and  it  ia 
of  the  utmost  consequence  to  get  that  which  has  been  properly  gathered, 
and  not  kept  too  long.  It  yields  several  principles,  among  which  are 
sanguinaria,  puccine,  chelidonic  acid,  a  yellowish  fixed  oQ,  Ugnin,  and 
gum. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  actions  of  Bloodroot  vary  according  to  ad- 
ministration. In  small  doses  it  stimulates  the  digestive  organs,  acting 
as  a  stimulant  and  tonic.  In  large  doses  it  is  an  arterial  sedative.  It 
is  useful  in  bronchitis,  laryngitis,  whooping-cough,  and  other  affections 
of  the  respiratory  organs.  It  excites  the  energies  of  a  tori^id  liver,  and 
has  proved  beneficial  in  scrofula,  amenorrhoea,  and  dysentery.  Applied 
to  fungous  growths,  ulcers,  fleshy  excrescences,  cancerous  affections, 
the  powder  acts  as  an  escharotic,  and  the  infusion  is  often  applied  with 
benefit  to  skin  diseases. 

Dose.- — Of  the  powder  as  an  emetic,  ten  to  twenty  grains ;  as  a  stimu- 
lant and  expectorant,  three  to  five  grains  ;  as  an  alterative,  half  a  grain 
to  two  grains.     Tincture,  twenty  to  sixty  drops. 

BOX  (Buxtrs  Sei^ipekvirens). 

MEDiCESfAL  Part.     The  leaves. 

Description. — Box  is  a  small,  dense-leaved,  hard-wood  evergreen  tree. 
The  leaves  are  ovate,  deep  shining  green,  becoming  red  in  autumn ; 
flowers  pale  yellow ;  and  the  fruit  a  six-seeded  globular  capsule. 

History. — The  box  tree  is  a  native  of  the  west  of  Asia,  but  grows  on 
dry  hills  and  sandy  elevations  generally  in  Europe,  and  but  rarely  on 
similar  soU  in  America.  A  preparation  called  Buxina  is  obtained  from 
the  powdered  bark,  but  the  leaves  are  the  parts  mainly  used  in  medical 
practice.     They  readily  impart  their  virtues  to  alcohol  or  water. 

Properties  and  Uses.  — It  is  cathartic,  sudorific,  and  alterative.  The 
preparations  of  the  leaves  are  excellent  for  the  expulsion  of  worms,  for 
piirging  the  bowels,  and  regulating  the  action  of  the  liver  ;  for  brealdng 
fevers,  and  for  purifying  the  blood  and  glandular  secretions.  In  syrup 
it  Ls  very  valuable  as  a  cure  for  all  diseases  of  a  syphilitic  character,  and 
may  be  used  alone  to  great  advantage,  where  the  compound  syrup  of 
stOlingia  cannot  be  obtained.  The  stillingia  is  preferable  if  it  is  at  all 
to  be  had.  The  dose  of  a  strong  decoction,  or  syrup,  of  box,  is  half  a 
fluid  ounce,  three  times  a  day.  In  very  severe  cases  the  dose  may  be 
increased  to  a  fluid  ounce  ;  but  this  should  not  be  undertaken  excepting 
by  the  advice  of  a  physician.  When  intestinal  worms  are  to  be  destroyed 
or  expelled,  the  powdered  leaves  are  usually  administered  in,  to  chil- 
dren, doses  of  five  grains ;  to  adults,  in  doses  of  from  ten  to  fifteen 
grains.     It  possesses  antispasmodic  qualities,  and  has  been  given  with 


56  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

good  effect  in  hysteria,  epilepsy,  chorea  (St.  Yitus'  Dance),  etc.  Chips 
of  the  wood  (decoction)  are  useful  in  chronic  rheumatism.  The  chief 
value  of  the  Buxus  Sempervirens,  however,  centres  in  its  antisyphilitic 
virtues.  I  combine  it  with  corydalis  (Turkey  pea)  and  the  compound 
syrup  of  stniingia,  in  such  a  manner  that  it  will  surely  cure  syphilis  in 
the  first,  second,  or  third  stage ;  also  certain  forms  of  scrofula  and 
scurvy.  In  other  diseases  it  is  no  better  than  many  other  plants  men- 
tioned in  this  book. 

The  reader  will  do  well  to  remember  that  the  common  garden  box 
possesses  the  medical  qualities  of  the  Buxus  Semjiervirens  to  a  feeble 
extent  only.  The  powerful  antisjiahilitic  virtues  of  which  I  have  spoken 
can  be  procured  only  from  the  leaves  of  the  tree  reared  ta  Asia,  the  in- 
fluences of  that  climate  being  requisite  to  perfect  them. 

EUCHU  (Barosma  Crenata). 

Medicinal  Part.     TJie  leaces. 

Description. — This  plant  has  a  slender,  smooth,  upright,  perennial 
Btem,  between  two  and  three  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  opposite,  flat, 
about  an  inch  long,  ovate  or  obovate,  acute,  serrated,  and  dotted.  The 
flowers  are  pink,  and  fruit  an  ovate  capsule. 

History. — The  Buchu  plant  is  a  native  of  Southern  Africa.  It  does 
not  grow  very  prolifically.  There  are  two  other  varieties  from  which 
the  leaves  are  taken,  and  which  are  of  equal  value  with  the  Bwrosma, 
Crenata.  The  leaves  are  the  jiarts  which  are  termed  officinal.  The 
Hottentots  gather  these  leaves  (which  emit  a  sort  of  minty  odor)  and 
powder  them.  "The  powder,"  says  a  traveler,  "they  have  named 
Booko.^  and  they  use  it  for  anointing  their  bodies."  They  also  distil  the 
leaves,  and  obtain  from  them  a  strong  spirituous  liquor  somewhat  re- 
sembling pale  brandy,  which  they  not  only  use  for  oon\'ivial  purposes, 
but  for  the  cure  of  vaiious  diseases,  particularly  those  which  are  located 
in  the  stomach,  bladder,  bowels,  and  kidneys.  A  decoction  of  the 
leaves  is  systematically  applied  by  them,  with  success,  we  are  told,  to 
woiinds  ;  but  this  is  an  assertion  of  which  we  have  no  direct  proof.  As 
we  get  them,  the  leaves  are  nearly,  or  quite,  an  inch  in  length,  and  from 
a  sixth  to  half  an  inch  in  width,  elliptical,  lanceolate,  slightly  acute,  or 
shorter  and  obtuse  ;  their  margin  is  serrated  and  glandular,  upper  sur- 
face smooth,  and  of  a  clear  shining  green,  the  under  surface  paler,  with 
scattered  oil  points.  They  taste  and  smell  like  pennyroyal ;  but  are 
neither  heating  nor  bitter  when  chewed.  They  have  to  be  kept  very 
carefully,  if  their  odor  and  virtues  are  desired  to  be  thoroughly  preserved 
for  any  reasonable  length  of  time.  The  leaves  of  aU  the  varieties  are 
somewhat  similar,  and  pos.scss  about  the  same  qualities.  They  jrield  their 
volatile  oU  fuid  extractive  (upon  which  their  virtues  are  mainly  depen- 
dent) to  alcohol  or  water. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERHALIST.  57 

Properties  and  Uses. — Buchu  is  aromatic  and  stimulant,  diuretic  and 
diaphoretic.  It  is  employed  in  dyspepsia  with  a  palliative  effect,  but  is 
chiefly  administered  in  chronic  inflammation  of  the  bladder,  irritation 
of  the  membrane  of  the  urethra,  uric  acid  gravel,  diabetes  in  its  first 
stage,  and  in  incontinence  of  urine.  It  is  recommended,  without  good 
reason,  for  cutaneous  and  rheumatic  affections.  I  have  no  doubt  Buchu 
is  of  some  importance  in  chronic  diseases  of  the  urino-genital  organs, 
for  I  have  tried  it ;  but  I  am  sure  that  we  have  many  native  remedies 
which  are  altogether  superior,  and  which  are  neglected  only  because  the 
public  is  so  familiar  with  them  that  they  do  not  care  to  give  them  a  fair 
trial. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  twenty  to  thirty  grains  ;  infusion,  two  to  four 
ounces  ;  tincture,  one  or  two  drachms ;  fl.  extract,  thirty  to  sixty  drops. 

BURNING  BUSH  (EuoNYMUs  Atropukpureus). 

Common  Names.     Wnhoo,  Spindle  Tree,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  bark  of  the  root. 

Desc7'iption.—Wahoo  is  a  small  shrub  or  bush,  with  smooth  branches, 
and  from  five  to  ten  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  from  two  to  five  inches 
in  length,  lanceolate,  acute,  and  finely  serrate.  Flowers  dark  purple, 
and  the  fruit  a  crimson,  five-celled  capsule.  There  is  another  variety 
known  as  Euonprnvs  Americanvs,  which  is  equally  useful  medicinally, 
and  this  and  the  foregoing  are  both  kno^vn  by  the  name  of  Waltoo  better 
than  by  any  other  title. 

History. — These  plants  grow  in  many  sections  of  the  United  States,  in 
woods  and  thickets,  and  in  river  bottoms,  flowering  in  June.  The  bark 
of  the  root  has  a  bitter  and  unpleasant  taste  in  its  natural  shape,  and 
yields  its  qualities  to  water  and  alcohol.  The  active  principle  is  Ew)- 
nymin. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  tonic,  laxative,  alterative,  diuretic,  and 
expectorant.  It  is  serviceable  in  dyspepsia,  torpid  liver,  constipation, 
dropsy,  and  pulmonary  diseases.  In  intermittents  it  serves  a  good 
purpose. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  twenty  to  thirty  grains  ;  tincture,  one  to  four 
drachms ;  Euonymin,  one-eighth  to  half  a  grain. 

BUTTER  WEED  (Erigeron  Canadense). 

Common  Names.  ColVs  Tail,  Pride  Weed,  Horse  Weed,  Canada  Flea- 
Bane. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  whole  plant. 

Description.— This,  is  an  indigenous,  annual  herb,  with  a  high  bristly, 
hairy  stem,  from  six  inches  to  nine  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  lanceo- 
late ;  flowers  small,  white,  and  very  numerous. 

History. — Butterweed  is  common  to  the  Northern  and  Middle  States, 
3* 


58  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

grows  in  fields  and  meadows,  by  road-sides,  and  flowers  from  Jiine  to 
September.  It  should  be  gathered  when  in  bloom,  and  carefully  dried. 
It  has  a  feeble  odor,  somewhat  astringent  taste,  and  yields  its  virtues  to 
alcohol  or  water. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  tonic,  diuretic,  and  astringent.  It  is  use- 
ful in  gravel,  diabetes,  dropsy,  and  ia  many  kidney  diseases.  It  can 
also  be  employed  in  diarrho2a,  dysentery,  etc.  The  volatile  oil  may  be 
used  instead  of  the  infusion. 

Z)ose. — Of  the  powder,  half  a  drachm;  infusion,  two  to  four  ounces; 
fl.  extract,  teaspoonful ;  oil,  from  four  to  six  drops  on  sugar. 

CAHINCA  (CniococcA  Racemosa). 

CoiniON  Name.     Snow  Berry. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  bark  of  the  root. 

Description. — This  is  a  climbing  shrub,  with  a  round  branched  root, 
and  a  stem  from  eight  to  twelve  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  ovate  and 
smooth ;  flowers  white  and  odorless,  and  become  yellow  and  redolent ; 
calyx,  five-cleft ;  corolla,  funnel-shaped ;  stamens,  five.  The  fruit  is  a 
small  white  berry. 

History. — This  plant  is  a  native  of  the  West  Indies,  Florida,  and 
South  America.  The  root  has  a  coif  ee-like  taste,  of  a  reddish-brown 
color,  and  a  disagreeable  odor.  It  affords  the  Cahincic  Acid,  its  most 
important  medicinal  agent. 

Properties  and  Uses. — In  medium  doses  it  aids  the  urinary  discharge, 
increases  the  action  of  the  heart,  and  promotes  perspiration.  It  has 
been  found  efficient  in  amenorrhoea,  rheumatism,  syphilis,  etc.,  and  ia 
used  in  Brazil  as  an  antidote  to  snake-bites. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  from  twenty  to  sixty  grains. 

CALICO  BUSH  (Kalmia  Latifolia). 

Common  Names.  Sheep  Laurel,  Spoonicood,  Mountain  Laurel,  Lamb- 
kiU. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  leaver. 

Description. — This  handsome  plant  is  a  shrub  from  four  to  eight  feet 
high,  with  crooked  stems  and  a  rough  bark.  The  leaves  are  evergreen, 
ovate,  lanceolate,  acute  at  each  end,  on  long  petioles,  and  from  two  to 
three  inches  long.  The  flowers  are  white  and  numerous.  The  fruit  is 
a  dry  capsule. 

//(■.s<W7/.  — Sheep. Laurel  inhabits  the  rocky  hills  and  elevated  grounds 
of  most  parts  of  the  United  States.  Its  beautiful  flowers  appear  in 
June  and  July.  The  loaves  are  reputed  to  be  poisonous  to  sheep  and 
other  animals,  and  it  is  said  that  birds  which  have  caton  them  will 
poison  those  who  eat  the  birds.     The  leaves  are  the  officinal  part.     At- 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  59 

tention  was  called  to  their  medicinal  virtues  by  the  use  which  the 
Indians  make  of  them,  viz. ,  a  decoction  by  which  they  commit  suicide. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  plant,  in  medicinal  doses,  is  antisyphilitic, 
sedative  to  the  heart,  and  somewhat  astringent.  It  is  a  most  efficient 
agent  in  syphilis,  fevers,  jaundice,  neuralgia,  and  inflammation.  The 
preparation  should  be  used  with  great  care  and  prudence.  In  cases  of 
poisoning  with  this  plant,  either  man  or  beast,  whiskey  is  the  best  anti- 
dote. Externally,  stewed  with  lard,  it  is  serviceable  as  an  ointment  for 
various  skin  diseases. 

Dose. — The  saturated  tincture  of  the  leaves  is  the  best  form  of  ad- 
ministration. It  is  given  in  from  ten  to  twenty  drops  every  two  or 
three  hours.     Powdered  leaves,  from  ten  to  twenty  grains. 

CANCER  ROOT  (OROEANCnE  Virginiana). 

Common  Name.     BeecJi  Drops. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  plant. 

Description. — This  is  a  parasitic  plant,  with  a  smooth,  leafless  stem 
from  a  foot  to  a  foot  and  a  half  in  height,  with  slender  branches  given 
off  the  whole  length  of  it.     The  root  is  scaly  and  tuberous. 

History.  —This  plant  is  native  to  North  America,  and  generally  a  para- 
site upon  the  roots  of  beech  trees,  flowering  in  August  and  September. 
The  whole  plant  is  of  a  dull  red  color,  without  any  verdure.  It  has  a 
disagreeable,  astringent  taste  It  yields  its  virtues  to  water  and  alco- 
hol. 

Properties  and  Uses. — An  eminent  astringent.  Used  with  benefit  in 
fluxes  and  in  diarrhoea,  but  possesses  no  property  of  curing  cancer.  It 
can  be  used  with  advantage  in  erysipelas.  Locally  applied  to  wounds,  it 
prevents  or  anests  the  process  of  mortification.  It  is  also  useful  as  an 
application  to  obstinate  ulcers,  aphthous  ulcerations,  etc. ,  etc.  It  exerts 
the  same  influence  upon  the  capillary  system  as  the  mineral  drug  tinc- 
ture of  iron. 

CANNABIS   INDICA. 

Common  Name.     Indian  Hemp. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — This  is  an  herbaceous  annual,  growing  about  three  feet 
high,  with  an  erect,  branched,  angular  bright  green  stem.  The  leaves 
are  alternate,  or  opposite,  on  long  lax  foot-stalks,  roughish,  with  sharply 
serrated  leaflets  tapering  into  a  long,  smooth  entire  point.  The  male 
flowers  are  drooping  and  long,  the  females  simple  and  erect.  The  seeds 
are  small,  ash-colored,  and  inodorous. 

History. — Cannabis  Indica,  or  Cannabis  Sativa,  is  a  native  of  the 
Caucasus,  Persia,  but  grows  in  the  hilly  regions  of  Northern  India.  It 
in  cultivated  in  many  parts  of  Europe  and  Asia ;  but  medicine  of  value 


60  THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

can  only  be  made  from  the  Indian  variety,  fhe  active  principle  of  the 
plant  being  developed  only  by  the  heat  of  the  climate  of  Hindostan. 
The  dried  tops  and  resin  are  the  parts  used.  The  preparations  csiUed 
C/nirrus,  Gimjah,  Bhang,  Hashish,  etc.,  sold  in  this  country,  are  most- 
ly feeble  imitations  of  the  genuine  articles,  and  are  comparatively 
worthless.  Even  the  few  specimens  of  the  genuine  productions  which 
reach  the  shops,  and  are  sold  at  high  prices,  are  crude  and  inferior,  and 
can  in  no  wise  impart  the  effects  which  attach  to  the  pure  article.  It  is 
a  matter  of  great  difficulty  to  procure  the  genuine  article  even  direct 
from  dealers  in  India,  unless  you  have  had  years  of  experience  as  a 
practising  herbal  physician,  and  have  established  business  connections  in 
various  parts  of  the  world  as  an  Importer  of  rare  and  pure  medicinal 
herbs,  barks,  roots,  resins,  etc. 

The  Cannabis  Saliva,  or  common  hemp,  possesses  similar  properties, 
and  can  be  substituted  if  the  Asiatic  hemp  is  not  procurable. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  narcotic,  anodyne,  and  antispasmodic.  It 
has  been  successfully  employed  in  gout,  neuralgia,  rheumatism,  locked- 
jaw,  convulsions,  chorea,  hysteria,  and  uterine  hemorrhage ;  but  it  is 
chiefly  valuable  asan  invigorator  of  mind  and  body.  Its  exhilarating 
qualities  are  unequalled,  and  it  is  a  certain  restorative  in  low  mental 
conditions,  as  well  as  in  cases  of  extreme  debility  and  emaciation.  In 
such  cases  it  may  be  regarded  as  a  real  rejuvenator.  It  should  be  taken 
by  the  advice  of  one  experienced  in  its  uses,  in  order  that  its  merits 
may  be  properly  and  fairly  experienced.  The  spurious  hemp  should 
never  be  taken,  as  it  produces,  what  the  genuine  does  not,  unpleasant 
consequences.  I  have  used  this  article  in  many  a  preparation  with 
great  success. 

CASSIA  i\IARILANDICA. 

Common  Names.     American  Senna,  Wild  Senna. 

Medicinal  Part,     llie  leaves. 

Description. — This  is  a  perennial  herb,  growing  from  four  to  six  feet 
high,  with  round,  smooth,  and  sUghtly  hairy  stenjs.  The  leaves  have 
long  petioles,  ovate  at  base  ;  each  petiole  has  eight  or  ten  leaflets,  which 
are  oblong,  smooth,  mucronate,  an  inch  or  two  long,  and  quite  narrow. 
The  flowers  are  bright  yellow,  and  the  fniit  is  a  legume  from  two  to 
four  inches  long. 

History.  — The  American  Senna  is  to  be  found  from  New  England  to 
Carolina,  growing  in  rich  soils  here  and  there.  It  flowers  from  June  to 
September,  and  the  leaves  are  gathered,  for  their  medicinal  v-irtues, 
while  the  plant  is  in  bloom.  They  yield  their  \'irtues  to  alcohol  oi 
water. 

Propertie^^  and  Uses. — It  is  one  of  the  most  important  herbal  cathar- 
tics furnished  by  America,  and  is  mentioned  here  solely  on  the  ground 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  61 

that  it  is  equally  valuable  as  tlie  foreign  Senna,  or  ordinary  Senna  of 
the  drug-shops,  and  costs  much  less.  The  analysis  of  the  leaves  shows 
that  they  contain  albumen,  mucUage,  starch,  yellow  coloring  matter, 
volatile  oil,  fatty  matter,  resin,  liguin,  and  salts  of  potassa,  and  lime. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  from  a  half -drachm  to  two  and  a  half 
drachms  ;  infusion,  four  or  five  ounces 

CATECHU  (Acacia  Catechu). 

Common  Names.     Cutch,  Gamhir,  Terra  Japotiica. 

Medicinal  Part.     Extract  of  the  wood. 

Description. — Catechu  i§  a  small-sized  tree  from  fifteen  to  twenty 
feet  high.  The  bark  is  thick,  and  branches  spreading.  Leaves  bipin- 
nate.     Flowers  numerous,  white  or  pale  yellow,  and  the  fruit  a  legume. 

Histo7"y. — This  tree  is  common  to  the  East  Indian  continent,  thriving 
in  Bengal,  and  on  the  Malabar  coast.  As  found  in  the  shops  it  is  in 
square,  round,  and  irregular  pieces,  variable  in  color,  friable,  odorless, 
astringent  taste.  Soluble  iu  hot  water,  depositing  a  reddish  matter  on 
cooling. 

Properties  and  uses.  — This  is  a  strong  astringent.  In  chronic  diar- 
rhoea, chronic  catarrh,  chronic  dysentery,  it  proves  beneficial,  and  it  is  a 
valuable  agent  as  a  local  ajiplication  in  throat  diseases,  especially  such 
as  singers  are  subject  to.  The  tincture  is  often  useful  as  a  local  appli- 
cation to  fissured  nipples  of  nufsing  women. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  from  five  to  twenty  grains ;  of  the  tincture, 
from  twenty  minims  to  half  an  ounce. 

CEDRON  (SiMABA  Cedron). 

Medicinal  Part.     TJie  seed. 

Description. — Simaba  is  a  small  tree,  with  an  erect  stem  about  half  a 
foot  in  diameter,  branching  luxuriantly  at  the  top.  Leaves  obovate, 
large,  and  serrated  ;  flowers  sessile,  pale  brown,  and  the  fruit  a  soUtary 
drupe. 

History. — This  tree  grows  in  New  Grenada  and  Central  America.  Its 
value  as  a  medicinal  agent  has  long  been  known  in  Costa  Rica,  Trinidad, 
etc. ,  and  from  thence  was  communicated  to  scientific  gentlemen  in 
France.  The  seed,  which  is  the  part  used,  is  about  an  inch  and  a  half 
long,  nearly  an  inch  broad,  and  about  half  an  inch  thick.  It  is  hard,  but 
can  be  easily  cut  by  a  common  knife.  It  is  inodorous,  but  tastes  Uke 
quassia  or  aloes,  and  yields  its  properties  to  water  or  alcohol.  In  South 
America  the  properties  of  these  seeds  were  known  as  early  as  the  year 
1700.  At  that  time  they  were  applied  more  especially  as  an  antidote  to 
the  bites  of  poisonous  serpents,  and  similar  affections. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  an  antispasmodic,  and  one  of  the  most 
valuable  articles  of  the  kind  known  to  educated  herbalists.     It  is  very 


b2  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

useful  in  all  nervous  affections,  and  is  administered  in  one  or  two  grain 
doses.  As  it  can  only  be  obtained  from  those  who,  like  myself,  import 
it  especially,  it  is  unnecessary  to  say  that  it  should  not  be  administered 
without  the  advice  of  competent  herbal  physicians.  To  give  an  idea  of 
its  value  as  an  antispasmodic,  I  mention  that  it  is  a  cure  for  hydropho- 
bia, and  an  antidote  for  the  majority  of  acro-narcotic  poisons. 

CELANDINE   (Chelidonium  Majus). 

Common  Name.     Tetter  Wort. 

Medicinal  Parts.     Jlerb  and  root. 

Description.  — This  plant  is  an  evergreen  perennial,  with  a  stem  from 
one  to  two  feet  ia  height,  branched,  swelled  at  the  joints,  leafy,  round, 
and  smooth  ;  the  leaves  are  smooth,  spreading,  very  deeply  pinnatified ; 
leaflets  in  from  two  to  four  pairs,  from  one  and  a  half  to  two  and  a  half 
inches  long,  and  about  two-thirds  as  broad,  the  termtaal  one  largest,  aU 
ovate,  cuneately  incised  or  lobed ;  the  lateral  ones  sometimes  dUated  at 
the  lower  margin,  near  the  base  almost  as  if  auricled  ;  c(^or  of  all,  a 
deep  shining  green ;  the  flowers  are  bright  yellow,  umbellate,  on  long, 
often  hairy  stocks. 

History. — Celandine  is  a  pale  green,  fleshy  herb,  indigenous  to  Europe 
and  naturalized  in  the  United  States  ;  it  grows  along  fences,  by-roads, 
in  waste  places,  etc. ,  and  flowers  from  May  to  October.  If  the  plant  be 
wounded,  a  bright  yeUow,  offensive  juice  flows  out,  which  has  a  persis- 
tent, nauseous,  bitter  taste,  with  a  bitiag  sensation  in  the  mouth  and 
fauces.  The  root  is  the  most  tatensely  bitter  part  of  the  plant,  and  is 
more  commonly  preferred.  Drying  dimtaishes  its  activity.  It  yields  its 
virtues  to  alcohol  or  water. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  stimulant,  acrid,  alterative,  diuretic,  dia- 
phoretic, purgative,  and  vulnerary.  It  is  used  internally  in  decoction 
or  tincture,  and  externally  in  poultice  or  ointment  for  scrofula,  cuta- 
neous diseases,  and  pUes.  It  is  likewise  good  in  hepatic  affections,  or 
liver  complaints,  and  exerts  a  special  influence  on  the  spleen.  As  a 
drastic  hydragogue,  or  purge,  it  is  fully  equal  to  gamboge.  The  juice, 
when  applied  to  the  skin,  produces  inflammations,  and  even  vesications. 
It  has  long  been  known  as  a  caustic  for  the  removal  of  warts  ;  it  is  also 
apphed  to  indolent  ulcers,  fungous  growths,  etc. ,  and  is  useful  in  re- 
moving specks  and  opacities  of  the  cornea  of  the  eye. 

Celandine  is  from  the  Greek  word  Chelidon,  which  signifies  a  swallow. 
The  ancients  assert  that  if  you  put  out  the  eyes  of  yoimg  swallows  when 
they  are  in  the  nest,  the  old  ones  will  restore  their  eyes  again  with  this 
herb.  It  is  said  that  we  may  mar  the  apple  of  the  bird's  eye  with  a 
needle,  and  that  the  old  birds  ^v^l  restore  their  sight  again  by  means  of 
this  herb.  Never  having  made  any  such  cruel  experiments,  I  am  not 
prepared  to  say  whether  any  such  miraculous  power  of  healing  losa  of 


THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 


63 


eight  is  a  virtue  of  the  plant,  or  whether  it  is  an  instinct  or  gift  inherent 
of  the  swallow  itself. 

Celandine  is  also  used  in  curing  salt-rheum,  tetter,  or  ringworm.  It 
is  superior  to  arnica  as  a  vulnerary ;  an  alcoholic  tincture  of  the  root 
(three  ounces  to  a  pint)  will  be  found  an  unrivalled  application  to  pre- 
vent or  subdue  traumatic  inflammations. 

Dose. — Of  the  powdered  root,  from  half  a  drachm  to  one  drachm  ;  of 
the  fresh  juice,  from  twenty  to  forty  drops,  in  some  bland  hquid ;  of 
the  tincture,  from  one  to  two  fluid  drachms ;  of  the  aqueous  extract, 
from  five  to  ten  grains. 

CENTAURY  (Sabbatia  Angularis). 

Common  Name.    Rose  Pink. 

MEDicrNAL  Part.     The  herb. 

Description. — This  plant  has  a  yellow  fibrous,  biennial  root,  with  an 
erect,  smooth,  quadrangular  stem,  with  the  angles  winged,  having  many 
opposite  branches,  and  growing  from  one  to  two  feet  in  height.  The 
leaves  are  opposite,  fine-veined,  smooth,  en- 
tire, from  one  to  five  inches  in  length,  and 
from  half  an  inch  to  one  and  a  half  inches 
wide,  clasping  the  stem.  The  flowers  are 
numerous,  from  an  inch  and  a  quarter  to  an 
inch  and  a  half  in  diameter,  of  a  rich  rose  or 
carnation  color,  standing,  as  it  were,  at  the 
tops  of  one  umbrU  or  tuft,  very  like  those  of 
St.  Jolm^s  wort.,  opening  themselves  in  the 
day-time  and  closing  at  night,  after  which 
come  seeds  in  little  short  husks,  in  forms  like 
unto  wheat  corn.  There  are  three  varieties 
of  the  Centaury  in  England,  one  kind  bearing 
white  flowers,  another  yellow,  and  another 
red.  All  have  medicinal  properties,  although 
the  American  variety  is  considered  preferable 
to  the  European  Centaury. 

History. — This  plant  is  common  to  moat 
parts  of  the  United  States,  growing  in  moist 
meadows,  among  high  grass,  on  the  prairies,  and  in  damp,  rich  soils, 
flowering  from  June  to  September.  The  whole  herb  is  used.  It  has 
a  very  bitter  taste,  and  yields  its  virtues  to  water  or  alcohol.  The  best 
time  for  gathering  it  is  during  the  flowering  season.  In  England  they 
use  the  red  Centaury  in  diseases  of  the  blood,  the  yeUov.r  in  choleric 
diseases,  and  the  white  in  those  of  phlegm  and  water. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  an  excellent  tonic.  It  is  used  in  all  fall 
periodic  febrile  diseases,  both  as  a  preventive  and  a  remedy.     It  is  also 


Centaury. 


64 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


serviceable  as  a  bitter  tonic  in  dyspepsia  and  convalescence  from  fevera 
When  administered  in  vparm  infusion  it  is  a  domestic  remedy  for  worms, 
and  to  restore  the  menstrual  secretion. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  from  half  a  drachm  to  a  drachm  ;  of  the  cold 
infusion,  a  teacujiful  every  two  or  three  hours  ;  of  the  tincture,  a  wine- 
glassful  ;  of  the  extract,  from  two  to  six  grains. 


CENTTJRY  PLANT  (Agave  Americana). 

Common  Name.     SouiJi  American  Agave. 
Medicinal  Part.     The  inspissated  juice. 

Description. — This  plant,  which  is  also  sometimes  called  the  Century 
Plant,  from  an  erroneous  idea  that  it  blossoms  but  once  in  a  hundred 
years,  is  the  largest  of  all  herbaceous  plants.  It  is  an  evergreen,  and 
does  not  blossom  often. 

History.  —It  flourishes  in  the  warmer  latitudes  of  South  America, 
where  its  juice  is  expressed  by  the  natives  and  allowed  to  ferment.  In 
this  condition  it  is  called  pulque,  and  is  used  as  an  exhilarating  bever- 
age. The  natives  can  drink  large  quantities  of  this  liquor  without  get- 
ting veiy  much  intoxicated  ;  but  it  is  very  severe  upon  those  who  are 
not  accustomed  to  it. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  fresh  juice  is  used  by  the  South  Americana 
to  regulate  the  action  of  the  bowels  and  kidneys,  and  is  considered  very 

valuable  for  dyspepsia  and  diseases 
of  the  bladder.  The  South  Ameri- 
can women  use  the  juice  and  the 
decoction  to  promote  menstruation. 
I  can  say  of  my  own  knowledge 
that,  in  proper  combination,  it  is  a 
superior  anti-syi^hilitic,  and  that  in 
scorbutic  affections  it  is  without 
many  superiors.  The  dose  is  from 
half  a  fluid  ounce  to  two  ounces, 
three  times  a  day. 

The  Agave  Virginica,  or  F'alse 
Aloe,  is  not  to  be  confounded  with 
this,  as  that  plant  is  a  laxative  and 
carminative . 

CHAMOMILE  (Aijthemis  No- 

BILIS). 

Medicinal  Part.    The  Flowers. 

Description. — This  is  a  perennial  herb,  with  a  strong  fibrous  root. 

The  stems  in  a  Avild  state  are  prostrate,  but  in  gardens  more  upright, 


Chamomile. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


65 


about  a  span  long,  round,  hoUow,  furrowed,  and  downy ;  the  leaves 
pale  gi-een,  pinnate,  sessile,  with  thread-shaped  leaflets.  The  flower-heads 
terminal,  rather  larger  than  the  daisy,  and  of  yellow  color,  or  whitish. 

Histcyi'y. — Chamomile  is  indigenous  to  Southern  Europe ;  we  have 
also  a  common  or  wild  Chamomile  {Matricaria  Chamoviilla)  growing  in 
the  United  States,  but  it  is  not  considered  as  good  as  the  Roman 
Chamomile  for  medicinal  purposes,  which  is  the  kind  I  use.  The  white 
flowers  are  the  best ;  they  have  an  aromatic,  agi'eeably  bitter  taste,  and 
peculiar  odor.     They  yield  their  properties  to  alcohol  and  water. 

Pr<yper ties  and  Uses. — Chamomile  is  a  tonic;  one  or  two  teacupfuls 
of  the  warm  infusion  wiU  usually  vomit.  The  cold  iafusion  is  highly 
useful  in  dyspepsia,  and  in  all  cases  of  weak  or  irritable  stomachs,  also 
in  intermittent  and  typhoid  fevers.  The  oil  is  carminative  and  anti- 
spasmodic, and  is  used  in  flatulency,  coUc,  cramp  in  the  stomach,  hys- 
teria, nervous  diseases,  and  painful  menstruation. 

A  poultice  of  Chamomile  wUl  often  prevent  gangrene,  and  remove  it 
when  present.  It  is  an  ingredient  in  my  "  Restorative  Assimilant,"  and 
is  a  most  excellent  adjutant  and  conigent  in  that  great  remedy. 

Dose. — Half  a  drachm  to  two  drachms  of  the  flowers.  Of  the  infu- 
sion, half  a  teacupful  to  a  teacupful ;  of  the  oil,  five  to  fifteen  drops  on 
Bugar. 

CHERRY  LAUREL  (Prunus  Laurocerasus). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  leaves. 

Description. — This  is  a  small  evergreen 
shrub  or  tree  with  smooth  branches.  Leaves 
with  short  petioles,  oval-oblong,  seirate, 
acute,  and  smooth.  Flowers  shorter  than 
the  leaves,  calyx  inferior,  corolla  has  five 
white  petals ;  stamens  about  twenty ;  and 
fruit  a  round,  black,  smooth  drupe. 

History. — Originally  a  native  of  Asia 
Minor,  from  whence  it  was  introduced  into 
Europe  in  1576,  and  subsequently  from 
Europe  to  the  United  States.  It  is  now  com- 
mon in  gardens  and  shrubberies.  The  leaves 
have  scarcely  any  odor  until  bruised,  then 
they  have  a  bitter  almond  odor ;  taste  very 
bitter,  aromatic,  and  slightly  astringent. 
They  impart  their  virtues  to  water  and  alco- 
hol. 

Properties  and  Z7ses. —An  excellent  sedative.  Useful  lq  tic-doiiloureux, 
phthisis,  spasmodic  cough,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  and  in  all  spasmodic 
affections.  „ 


Cherry  LaureL 


C6  THE    COMPLETE    HEKBALIST. 

Dose. — Powdered  leaves,  four  to  eight  grains;  latirel  water,  ten  to 
thirty  drops. 

CmCKWEED  (Stellaiiia  Media). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  Jierb. 

Description. — This  plant  is  an  annual  or  biennial  weed,  from  six  to 
fifteen  inches  in  length,  with  a  prostrate,  brittle,  and  leafy  stem.  The 
leaves  are  ovate-cordate  ;  the  lower  ones  on  hairy  petioles.  The  flowers 
ai-e  smaU  and  white,  petals  two-parted,  stamens  three,  five,  or  ten. 

History. — It  is  a  common  plant  in  Europe  and  America,  growing  in 
fields  and  arotmd  dwellings,  in  moist,  shady  places.  It  flowers  from 
the  beginning  of  spring  till  the  last  of  autumn.  The  seeds  aie  eaten  by 
poultry  and  birds.     The  whole  herb  is  used  when  recent. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  a  cooUng  demulcent.  The  fresh  leaves 
braised  and  applied  as  a  poultice  to  indolent,  intractable  ulcers,  even 
when  of  many  years'  standing,  wiU  produce  most  immediate  and  de- 
cided beneficial  results,  to  be  changed  two  or  three  times  a  day.  The 
bruised  leaves  vsoU  likewise  be  found  an  invaluable  application  in  acute 
ophthalmia.  An  ointment  made  by  bmising  the  recent  leaves  in.  fresh 
lard,  may  be  used  as  a  cooling  application  to  erysipelatous  and  other 
forms  of  ulceration,  as  well  as  many  forms  of  cutaneous  diseases. 

CHOCOLATE  ROOT,  Geum  Rivale  ( Water  Avens),  Geum  Virgini- 
ANUM  ( White  Avens). 

Common  Names.     Throat  Root,  Puiple  Avens. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — Geum  Rivale,  or  Pm'jile  Avens,  is  a  perennial,  deep 
green  herb;  woody  root;  leaves  nearly  lyrate,  crer.ate-dentate,  and 
from  four  to  six  inches  long.  The  flowers  are  few  and  yellowish  purple 
in  color. 

Geum  Viuginianum,  or  Throat  Root,  is  also  a  perennial,  with  a 
smaU,  crooked  root.  The  stem  is  two  or  three  feet  high.  The  leaves 
are  pinnate  or  lyrate  ;  flowers  rather  small  and  white  ;  and  the  fruit  im 
achenium.  The  former  is  common  to  the  United  States  and  Europe, 
flowering  in  June  or  July,  and  the  latter  only  to  the  United  States, 
flowering  from  June  to  August. 

History.— ThG^e  plants,  with  other  varieties,  have  long  been  used  in 
domestic  practice.  The  whole  herb  contains  medicinal  properties,  but 
the  officinal  and  most  efficient  part  is  the  root.  Boiling  water  or  alcohol 
extracts  their  virtues. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Is  tonic  and  astringent.  It  is  used  in  passive 
and   chronic   hemorrhages,   chronic    diarrhcea  and    dysentery,  luucor- 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


67 


rhoea,  dyspepsia,  pulmonary  affections,  congestions  of  the  abdominal 
viscera,  etc. 

Dose.—Ot  the  powder,  from  twenty  to  thirty  grains ;  of  the  decoc- 
tion, from  two  tablespoonfuls  to  a  wineglassful,  three  or  four  times  a  day. 

CINCHONA. 

Common  Names.    Peruvian  Bark,  Jesuits'  Bark. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  bark. 

Description.— The  bark  is  obtained  from  the  CincJuma  Calisaya,  Cin- 
chona Condaminea,  Cinchona  Succirubra,  and  Cinchona  Lancifolia. 
These  trees  are  all  evergreen  trees  or  shrubs.  Their  generic  character 
is  to  have  opposite  entire  leaves ;  flowers  white,  or  usually  roseate  or 
purplish,  and  very  fragrant ;  calyx  a  turbinated  tube ;  corolla  salver- 
shaped  ;  stamens,  five ;  anthers,  liaear ; 
style,  simple ;  stigma,  bifid.  The  fruit  a 
capsule,  ovate  or  oblong,  filled  with  nume- 
rous winged  seeds.  About  thirteen  varie- 
ties of  cinchona  are  known  to  commerce, 
but  the  above  are  the  most  important.  Of 
these  species  the  former  three  yield  re- 
spectively the  pale,  yellow,  and  red  cin- 
chona barks,  and  the  fourth  is  one  of  the 
sources  of  quinine. 

History. — Cinchona  is  a  very  old  dis- 
covery, and  takes  its  name  from  the  wife 
of  the  Spanish  viceroy.  Count  de  Cinchon, 
who  was  ciu-ed  of  fever  by  it,  at  Lima, 
about  the  year  1638.  For  some  time  after 
its  introduction  into  Europe,  the  Jesuits, 
who  received  the  bark  from  their  brethren 
in  Peru,  alone  used  it,  and  kept  to  them- 
selves the  secret  of  its  origin ;  and  their 
use  of  it  was  so  successful  that  it  received 

the  name  which  still  clings  to  it  of  "Jesuits'  Bark."  The  bark  richest 
in  the  antiperiodic  alkaloids  is  the  Cinchona  Calisaya.  The  geograph- 
ical range  of  the  cinchonas  appears  to  be  exclusively  confined  to  the 
Andes,  within  the  boundaries  of  Peru,  Bolivia,  Equador,  and  New 
Granada.  Thirteen  species  furnish  the  barks  of  commerce,  and  all  of 
them  are  found  growing  from  one  to  ten  thousand  feet  above  the  level 
of  the  sea.  The  four  species  we  have  named  at  the  head  of  this  article 
are,  however,  the  only  ones  recognized  by  the  United  States  Pharma- 
copoeia, and  are  the  favorites  everywhere.  Since  the  seventeenth  cen- 
tury these  barks  have  been  the  study  of  men  versed  in  medical  and 
chemical  science,  and  they  and  the  preparations  made  from  them  rank 


68  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

among  the  most  important  articles  of  the  Materia  Medica.  It  contains 
numerous  active  principles,  but  the  most  important,  and  one  chiefly 
used,  is  quinine. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Cinchona  bark  is  tonic,  antiperiodic,  astringent 
to  a  moderate  extent,  and  eminentlj'  febrifuge.  It  is  topically  (or  ex- 
ternally) antiseptic,  and  is  of  much  value  when  applied  to  gangrenous 
ulcerations,  or  used  for  gargles  and  washes  in  erysipelas,  ulcerated  sore 
throat,  mouth,  etc.  I  do  not  recommend  the  use  of  the  bark  in  cases 
where  the  stomach  is  vory  much  weakened  (although  it  is  employed  in 
every  disease  in  which  there  is  deficient  tone),  because  the  woody  fibre 
in  the  powder  will  most  generally  disagree.  When  taken  internally  it 
imparts  a  sensation  of  warmth  to  the  stomach,  which  gradually  spreads 
over  the  whole  body ;  the  pulse  becomes  stronger  and  is  accelerated, 
and  the  various  organs  are  gently  stimulated.  It  may  be  used  with 
benefit  in  ordinary  cases  of  dyspepsia,  general  debility,  and  all  febrile, 
eruptive,  and  inflammatory  diseases,  in  whatever  stage  they  may  be. 
In  all  cases  of  night-sweating,  or  great  feebleness,  it  is  valuable.  As 
an  antiperiodic  it  is  not  surpassed  by  anything  else  used.  "VVTien  it 
excites  nausea,  add  an  aromatic ;  if  jiurging,  opium ;  if  costiveness, 
rhubarb.  . 

Quinine  is  a  white  flocculent  powder,  inodorous,  and  has  a  very  bitter 
taste.  It  is  very  sparingly  soluble  iii  warm  water,  still  less  so  in  cold 
water.  It  is  readily  soluble  in  hot  alcohol,  and  tolerably  so  in  ether.  It 
is  always  best  to  administer  quinine  instead  of  the  bark,  unless  some  of 
the  effects  of  the  other  i^rinciples  are  desired. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  half  a  drachm  to  a  drachm  ;  fluid  extract,  ten 
to  sixty  drops ;  of  quinine,  from  one  to  fifteen  grains,  according  to 
purpose. 

CINQUE-FOIL  (PoTENTiLLA  Canadensis). 

Common  Name.    Five-Finger. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — This  perennial  plant  has  a  procumbent  stem  from  two 
to  eighteen  inches  in  length.  The  leaves  are  i)almate,  leaflets  obovate, 
and  flowers  yellow,  on  soUtary  pedicels. 

There  are  two  varieties  of  this  plant,  the  P.  PamiUa,  which  is  very 
small  and  delicate,  flowering  in  Aprfl.  and  May,  and  growing  in  diy, 
sandy  soils,  and  the  P.  Simptlcx.,  a  larger  plant,  growing  in  richer  soils, 
and  flowering  from  June  to  August. 

History. — Five-finger  is  common  to  the  United  States,  growing  by 
road-sides,  on  meadow  banks  and  waste  grounds,  and  flowering  from 
April  to  October.  The  root  is  the  part  used.  It  has  a  bitterish,  styptic 
taste,  and  yields  its  virtues  to  water. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  tonic  and  astringent.     A  decoction  is  use- 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  69 

ful  in  fevers,  bowel  complaints,  night  sweats,  menoiThagia,  and  other 
hemoiThages.  It  makes  an  excellent  gargle  for  spongy,  bleeding  gums, 
and  ulcerated  mouth  and  throat. 

The  PoTENTiLLA  ToRMENTiLLA,  or  Sept-Foil  of  Europe,  possesses 
similar  qualities,  and  may  be  used  by  my  readers  ia  that  countiy  if  the 
American  root  is  not  to  be  obtained. 


CLEAVERS  (Galium  Aparine). 

Common  Names.     Ooose  Grass,  Catc7iweed,  Bed-Straw. 

Medicinal  Part.     T/ie  herb. 

Description.- — It  is  an  annual  succulent  plant,  with  a  weak,  procum- 
bent, quadrangular,  retrosely-j^rickled  stem,  which  grows  from  two  to  six 
feet  high,  and  is  hairy  at  the  joints.  The  leaves  are  one  or  two  inches 
in  length,  and  two  or  three  lines  in  breadth ;  rough  on  the  margin  and 
tapering  to  the  base.     The  flowers  are  white,  small,  and  scattered. 

History. — This  plant  is  common  to  Europe  and  the  United  States, 
growing  in  cultivated  grounds,  moist  thickets,  and  along  banks  of  rivers, 
and  flowering  from  June  to  September.  In  the  gr-een  state  the  plant 
has  an  unpleasant  odor  ;  but  it  is  inodorous  when  dried,  ■with  an  acidu- 
lous, astringent,  and  bitter  taste.  Cold  or  warm  water  extracts  the  \ir- 
tue>3  of  the  plant ;  boning  water  destroys  them.  The  roots  dye  a 
permanent  red. 

Properties  a7id  Uses.- — It  is  a  most  valuable  refiigerant  and  diuretic, 
and  wiU  be  found  very  beneficial  in  many  diseases  of  the  urinary  organs, 
as  suppression  of  urine,  calculous  affections,  inflammation  of  the  kid- 
neys and  bladder,  and  in  the  scalding  of  urine  in  gonorrhoea.  It  is  con- 
tra-indicated in  diseases  of  a  passive  character,  on  account  of  its 
refrigerant  and  sedative  effects  on  the  system,  but  may  be  used  freely 
in  fevers  and  all  acute  diseases.  An  infusion  may  be  made  by  macerat- 
ing an  ounce  and  a  half  of  the  herb  in  a  pint  of  warm  water  for  two 
hours,  of  which  from  two  to  four  fluid  ounces  may  be  given  three 
or  four  times  a  day  when  cold.  It  may  be  sweetened  with  sugar  or 
honey.  It  has  also  been  found  useful  in  many  cutaneous  diseases,  as 
psoriasis,  eczema,  Uchen,  cancer,  and  scrofula,  and  is  more  particularly 
useful  in  these  diseases  when  they  are  combined  with  strumous  diathe- 
sis. The  best  form  for  administration  is  that  of  the  inspissated  juice, 
which  may  be  in  one  or  two  drachm  doses,  thi-ee  times  a  day. 

The  plant  called  Galium  Tinctoriiim,  or  Small  Cleavers,  is  nervine, 
anti-spasmodic,  expectorant,  and  diaphoretic.  It  is  used  successfully  in 
asthma,  cough,  and  chronic  bronchitis,  exerting  its  influence  principally 
upon  the  respiratory  organs.  The  plant  has  a  pungent,  aromatic,  pleas- 
ant, persistent  taste.  A  strong  decoction  of  the  herb  may  be  given  in 
doses  of  from  one  to  four  fluid  ounces,  and  repeated  two  or  three  timea 


70  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

a  day,  according  to  circumstances.    The  root  of  this  plant  will  also  dye  a 
permanent  red. 

COCA  (Erythroxylon  Coca). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  herb. 

Description. — I  first  became  acquainted  with  this  most  remarkable 
plant  many  years  ago,  while  traveling  in  Bolivia,  South  America,  in  the 
beautiful  valleys  of  the  Cordilleras.  The  Coca  is  a  bush  which  rarely 
attains  six  feet  in  height,  and  does  not  often  exceed  three.  Its  foUage 
is  of  a  bright  green,  its  flowers  white,  and  its  fruit  small  and  red.  When 
the  plants  are  just  about  eighteen  inches  high  they  are  transplanted 
from  the  seed-beds  into  fields  called  c-occdes.  The  ripe  leaves  are  gath- 
ered with  the  fingers.  They  are  dried  by  spreading  them  in  the  sun, 
sometimes  on  woollen  cloths.  The  operation  requires  gi-eat  care,  for  the 
plant  must  be  protected  from  all  dampness,  which  changes  its  color,  and 
thus  diminishes  its  value.  It  is  then  packed  in  bags,  weighing  from 
fifty  to  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds,  which  are  often  transported  to 
great  distances.  In  the  Vice-royalty  of  Lima,  in  the  latter  part  of  the 
last  century,  Castelnau  represents  the  consumption  of  the  leaf  at  three 
and  a  half  millions  of  pounds,  and  worth  one  million  and  a  quarter  of 
Spanish  dollars,  while  at  the  same  time  the  total  consumption  in  Peru 
was  two  and  a  half  millions  of  dollars.  The  impoi-tance  of  the  Coca 
trade,  however,  is  diminishing  as  the  Red  Man  disappears.  The  Indians 
mix  the  Coca  with  a  small  quantity  of  lime,  and  constantly  carry  a  small 
bag  of  it  on  all  their  excursions.  They  take  it  from  thi-ee  to  six  times 
a  day.  Dr.  GsciiuDi  [Travels  in  Peru.,  page  453]  mentions  an  Indian  of 
sixty-two  years  of  age,  who  was  employed  by  him,  and  though  at  very 
hard  work  for  five  days,  took  no  other  noui'ishment,  and  rested  but  two 
hours  of  the  night.  Immediately,  or  soon  after  this,  he  accomplished  a 
journey  of  one  hundred  miles  in  two  days,  and  said  that  he  was  ready 
to  do  the  same  thing  again  if  they  would  give  him  a  new  supply  of  Coca. 
Castelnati  says  he  himself  knew  of  instances  as  extraordinary.  In  the 
time  of  the  Incas  the  Coca  was  regarded  as  sacred. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Its  physiological  actions  are  as  follows  : — 

1.  It  stimulates  the  stomach  and  promotes  digestion. 

2.  In  large  doses  it  augments  animal  heat  and  accelerates  the  pulse 
and  respiration. 

3.  It  induces  slight  constipation. 

4.  In  moderate  doses,  from  one  to  four  drachms,  it  stimulates  the 
nervous  system,  so  as  to  render  it  more  tolerant  of  muscular  fatigue. 

5.  In  larger  doses  it  gives  rise  to  hallucinations  and  true  delirium. 

G.  Its  most  precious  property  is  that  of  inducing  the  most  pleasant 
visions  {^^ ji/itinta^inagarici^^)  without  any  subsequent  depression  of  the 
nervous  energies. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


71 


7.  Probably  it  diminishes  some  of  the  secretions. 

The  Coca  has  doubtless  many  other  medical  properties  of  a  high  order, 
and  deserves  further  investigation. 

It  stimulates  powerfully  the  digestive  functions,  while  at  the  same 
time  it  exercises  a  calmative  influence  over  the  mucous  membranes  of 
the  stomach  and  bowels.  In  this  double  action  upon  the  stomach — 
stimiilant  and  calmative — it  resembles  Columbo. 

It  is  anti-spasmodic,  and  is  of  great  service  in  many  nervous  disorders, 
and  particularly  ia  spermatorrhmi  and  all  debUities  of  the  generative 
organs. 

I  make  a  pill  from  the  solid  extract  of  Coca,  combined  with  lime  and 
valuable  Herbal  remedial  agents,  which  I  call  the  Napoleon  Herb  Pill, 
owing  to  its  powerful  tonic  properties.  It  is  designed  to  cure  all  forms 
of  debility  afflicting  either  sex.  Its  powers  are  promptly  manifested  in 
cases  of  sexual  debility,  whether  from  seli-produced  causes,  long  study, 
severe  mental  excitement,  or  general  breaking-down  of  the  nervous 
system  from  whatever  cause.  It  is  equally  effectual  for  the  female  weak- 
ness and  debility  so  universal  among  women  at  the  present  day.  These 
pills  are,  with  explicit  directions,  put  up  in  sealed  bottles.  Sent,  prepaid 
by  mail,  to  any  address,  on  receipt  of  $3.00  for  100  pills.  We  also  use 
Coca  in  various  forms  in  our  prepared  courses  of  medicine  for  special 
cases. 

COLOOYNTH  (CucuMis  Colocynthis.  ) 

Common  Name.     Bitter  Cucumber. 

Medicinal  Part.  The  fruit  divested 
of  its  rind. 

Description. — Colocynth  is  an  annual 
plant,  with  a  whitish  root,  and  prostrate, 
angular,  and  hispid  stems.  The  leaves 
are  alternate,  cordate,  ovate,  many-lobed, 
white  with  hairs  beneath.  Flowers  yel- 
low and  solitary  ;  petals  small ;  and  fruit 
globose,  smooth,  size  of  an  orange,  yel- 
low when  ripe,  with  a  thin  solid  rind,  and 
a  very  bitterish  flesh. 

History. — This  plant  is  a  native  of  the 
south  of  Europe,  Asia,  and  Africa.  The 
fruit  assumes  a  yeUow  or  orange  color 
externally  during  the  autumn,  at  which 
time  it  is  pvUled  and  dried  quickly,  either  in  the  stove  or  sun.  Thatf 
which  is  deprived  of  its  rind,  very  white,  Hght  spongy,  and  with- 
out seeds,  is  the  best  article ;  all   others  are  more  or  less  inferior  in 


Colocynth. 


7Q  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

quality.  It  contains,  besides  oils,  resins,  and  gnms,  bassorin  and  the 
sulphates  of  lime  and  magnesia.      Colacynthin  is  its  active  principle. 

Pr(jj)ertles  and  Uses. — It  is  a  powerful  hydragogue  cathartic,  pro- 
ducing copious  watery  evacuations.  It  should  never  be  used  alone,  but 
be  combined  vidth  other  cathartics.  It  may  be  used  advantageously  in 
passive  dropsy  and  cerebral  derangements.  In  combination  with  hyos- 
cyamus  it  loses  its  irritant  properties,  and  may  be  so  employed  when- 
ever its  peculiar  cathartic  effects  are  desired.  Hippocrates  used  colo- 
cynth  as  a  pessary  to  promote  menstruation. 

Dose. — Five  to  ten  grains. 

COLT'S  FOOT  (TussiLAGO  Farfara). 

Common  Names.  Cough  TFt^'i,  FoaVs  Foot,  Horse  Hoof,  and  BuWs 
Foot. 

MEDicnsTAii  Part.     Tlie  leaves. 

Description. — Colt's  foot  has  a  long,  perennial,  creeping,  fibrous  rhi- 
zome. The  leaves  are  erect,  cordate,  sharply  dentate,  smooth  green 
above,  and  pure  white  and  cottony  beneath.  They  do  not  appear  until 
the  flowers  are  withered,  and  are  from  five  to  eight  inches  long,  and 
about  an  inch  broad.     The  flowers  are  large  and  bright  yellow. 

Histoi'y. — This  plant  grows  in  Europe,  the  Crimea,  Persia,  Siberia, 
and  the  East  Indies,  from  the  sea-shore  to  elevations  of  nearly  eight 
thousand  feet.  It  also  grows  in  the  United  States,  ki  wet  places,  on  the 
sides  of  brooks,  flowering  in  March  and  April.  Its  presence  is  a  certain 
indication  of  a  clayey  soil.  The  loaves  are  rather  fragrant,  and  continue 
BO  after  having  becu  carefully  dried.  The  leaves  are  the  jiarts  used, 
though  all  ports  of  the  plant  are  active,  and  should  always  be  employed, 
especially  the  leaves,  flowers,  and  root.  The  leaves  should  be  collected 
at  about  the  period  they  have  nearly  reached  their  full  size,  the  flowers 
as  soon  as  they  commence  opening,  and  the  root  immediately  after  the 
maturity  of  the  leaves.  When  dried,  all  parts  have  a  bitter,  mucilagin- 
ous taste,  and  yield  their  properties  to  water  or  diluted  alcohol. 

properties  and  Uses. — It  is  emollient,  demulcent,  and  slightly  tonic. 
The  decoction  is  usually  administered  in  doses  of  from  one  to  three  or 
four  fluid  ounces^,  and  is  highly  serviceable  in  coughs,  asthma,  whooping- 
cough,  and  other  pulmonaiy  complaints  ;  also  useful  in  scrofula.  The 
powdered  leaves  form  a  good  errhine  for  giddiness,  headache,  nasal  ob- 
structions, etc.  It  is  also  used  externally  in  fonn  of  poultice  in  scrofu- 
lous tiunors. 

COLiraiBO    (COCCTJLUS  PALMATUS). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — Columbo,  so  important  in  the  present  practice  of  medi- 
cine, is  a  climbing  plant,  ■with  a  perennial  sort  which  is  quite  thick  and 


THE    COMPLETK   HERBALIST.  73 

brancliiiigf.  The  root  is  covered  vnth  a  thin  brown  skin,  marked  with 
transverse  warts.  The  stems,  of  which  one  or  two  proceed  from  the 
same  root,  are  twining,  simple  in  the  male  plant,  branched  in  the  female, 
round,  hauy,  and  about  an  inch  or  an  inch  and  a  half  La  circumference. 
The  leaves  stand  on  rounded  glandular-hauy  footstalks,  and  are  alter- 
nate, distant,  cordate,  and  have  three,  seven,  or  nine  lobes  and  nerves. 
The  flowers  are  small  and  inconspicuous. 

History.  — This  plant  inhabits  the  forests  near  the  southeastern  coapfc 
of  Africa,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Mozambique,  where  the  natives  call 
it  Kalwmb.  The  root  is  dug  up  in  the  diy  season  in  the  month  of  March, 
and  is  cut  in  slices,  strung  on  cords,  and  hung  up  to  dry.  The  odor  of 
Columbo  is  sUghtly  aromatic ;  the  taste  bitter,  and  also  mucilaginous. 
The  root  is  easily  pulverized,  but  spoils  by  keeping  after  having  been 
reduced  to  a  powder.  It  is  best  to  powder  it  only  as  it  is  required  for 
use.  The  active  principle  of  Columbo  is  called  Colamhin.  The  root  also 
yields  Berberin.,  an  excellent  stomachic,  which  is  produced  from  the 
Barberry. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  one  of  the  purest  bitter  tonics  in  the  world, 
and  in  dyspepsia,  chronic  dian-hoea,  and  dysentery,  as  well  as  in  con- 
valescence from  febrUe  and  inflammatory  diseases,  it  can  hardly  be  sur- 
passed as  a  remedial  agent.  It  is  most  useful  in  the  remittent  and 
intermittent  fevers  of  hot  climates.  It  is  used  in  many  combinations, 
according  to  indications. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  ten  to  thirty  grains ;  of  the  infusion,  one  or 
two  ounces ;  of  the  tincture,  from  one  to  two  drachms. 

COMFREY  (Symphytum  Officinale). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — Comfrey  has  an  oblong,  fleshy,  perennial  root,  black  on 
the  outside  and  whitish  within,  containing  a  glutinous  or  clammy,  taste- 
less juice,  with  divers  very  large,  hauy,  green  leaves  lying  on  the  ground, 
so  hairy,  or  so  prickly,  that  if  they  touch  any  tender  parts  of  the  hands, 
face,  or  body,  it  wUl  cause  it  to  itch.  The  stalks  are  hollowed  and  cor- 
nered, very  haiiy,  having  leaves  that  grow  below,  but  less  and  less  up  to 
the  top  ;  at  the  joints  of  the  stalk  it  is  divided  into  many  branches,  at 
the  ends  of  which  stand  many  flowers,  in  order  one  above  another,  which 
are  somewhat  long  and  hollow  like  the  finger  of  a  glove,  of  a  pale, 
whitish  color ;  after  them  come  small  black  seeds.  There  is  another  sort 
which  bears  flowers  of  a  pale  purple  color,  having  similar  medicinal  pro- 
perties. 

Histoi^y. — Comfrey  is  a  native  of  Europe,  but  naturalized  in  the  United 
States,  growing  on  low  grounds  and  moist  places,  and  flowering  all  sum- 
mer.    The  root  is  officinal  and  contains  a  large  amount  of  mucilage, 
which  is  readily  extracted  by  water. 
4 


74  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  plant  is  demulcent  and  slightly  astringent. 
All  mucilaginous  agents  exert  an  influence  on  mucous  tissues,  hence 
the  cure  of  many  pulmonary  and  other  affections  in  which  these  tissues 
have  been  chiefly  implicated,  by  their  internal  use.  Physicians  must 
nol  expect  a  serous  disease  to  yield  to  remedies  which  act  on  mucous 
membranes  only  ;  to  determine  the  true  value  of  a  medicinal  agent,  they 
must  first  ascertain  the  true  character  of  the  affection,  as  well  as  of  the 
tissues  involved.  Again,  mucilaginous  agents  are  always  beneficial  in 
scrofulous  and  ansemic  habits.  Comfrey  root  is  very  useful  in  diarrha3a, 
dysentery,  coughs,  hemoptysis  or  bleediag  of  the  lungs,  and  other  pul- 
monary affections  ;  also  in  leucorrhcsa  and  female  debility  :  all  these  be- 
ing principally  affections  of  mucous  membranes. 

It  may  be  boiled  in  water,  wine,  or  made  into  a  syrup,  and  taken  in 
doses  of  from  a  wineglassful  to  a  teacupful  of  the  preparation,  two  or 
three  times  a  day. 

Externally  the  fresh  root,  bruised,  forms  an  excellent  application  to 
bruises,  ru^Dtures,  fresh  wounds,  sore  breasts,  ulcers,  white  swellings, 
etc. 

CTJNDURAjS'GO  (Equatoria  Garciana). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  bark  of  the  vine. 

Description. — Cundurango,  or  Condor  Vine,  a  name  derived  from  two 
words,  cundur  and  angu.,  whose  marvellous  medicinal  properties  have  late- 
ly been  made  known  to  the  world,  and  which  is  now  so  greatly  interesting 
the  medical  profession,  is  a  climbing  vine,  resembling  much  in  its  habits 
the  grape  vine  of  our  forests.  The  vines  are  from  three  to  five  inches 
diameter.  They  are  quite  flexible  when  fresh,  but  when  dry  very  brit- 
tle. The  bark  is  externally  of  a  greenish-gray  color,  and  has  numerous 
small  warty  excrescences.  The  leaves  are  large,  sometimes  reaching 
six  inches  in  length  by  five  in  breadth,  opposite,  simple,  entire,  dentate, 
cordate,  and  of  a  dark  green  color.  The  flowers  are  small,  arranged  in 
complete  umbels  ;  stamens  five  ;  petals  five  ;  sepals  five  ;  and  filaments 
small.  The  fniit  is  a  pair  of  pods,  and  seeds  numerous  and  dark  brown. 
It  should  be  more  i:)roperly  called  C'undurangu.  as  there  is  no  o  in  the 
langnage  of  the  Incas. 

History.  — This  plant  is  a  native  of  the  Andes  Mountains  in  Soiith 
America,  especially  the  southern  iiortion  of  Equador,  and  foimd  most 
plentifully  in  the  mountains  surrounding  the  city  of  Loja.  It  is  goner- 
ally  found  on  the  western  exposure  of  the  Andes,  at  an  altitude  of  4,000  or 
5,000  feet.  Its  virtues  were  known  to  the  Indian.s  of  the  locality  for  a  long 
time.  The  tradition  is  that  it  was  regarded  by  them  as  poisonous,  and 
that  an  Indian  woman  unintentionally  cured  her  husband,  who  suffered 
from  a  very  painful  cancer,  giving  him  to  drink  bowlfuls  of  decoction  of 
Cuuduran^^o,  believing  and  hoping  it  would  prove  fatal.     It  was  intro- 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  75 

duced  into  medical  practice  by  Dr.  Egni^uren,  brother  of  the  Governor 
of  the  provtace  of  Loja,  both  of  whom  cured  many  cases  of  syiihilis  and 
cancerous  ulcers  in  the  trial  of  it.  The  subject  was  brought  to  the 
notice  of  our  government  by  our  minister  at  Quito.  The  Department 
of  State,  at  once  reaUzing  the  value  of  the  discovery  and  the  intense  in- 
terest with  which  our  people  would  seek  after  information  concerning 
it,  published  a  circular,  setting  forth  its  great  value  as  a  remedy.  This 
action  of  the  government  at  once  inspired  that  confidence  to  which  the 
plant  is  entitled.  It  was  tested  in  a  case  of  cancer  afflicting  the  mother 
of  Vice-President  Colfax,  and  at  once  asserted  its  value.  It  has  since 
been  used  by  progressive  physicians,  and  the  success  it  has  given  in  can 
cerous  and  syphilitic  affections  renders  it  worthy  of  the  name  of  a  speci 
fie,  equally  as  much  so  as  cinchona.  It  is  a  singular  coincidence  that 
these  two  specific  products  of  the  herbal  world  should  grow  in  the  same 
regions.  The  natives  insist  that  there  are  two  varieties  of  the  bark,  the 
amarillo,  or  yellow,  and  bianco,  or  white ;  but  upon  inspection  I  find 
they  are  the  same,  the  difference  in  color  depending  upon  the  strong 
rays  of  the  sun.  When  freshly  cut  the  vines  give  an  abundance  of 
milky,  viscous  juice  or  sap,  the  odor  of  which  is  balsamic,  and  flavor 
decidedly  bitter  and  aromatic. 

Its  price  is  exceedingly  high,  but  this  has  not  deterred  me  from  using 
it  where  I  deemed  it  necessary  in  special  cases.  I  can  furnish  it  by  mail, 
put  up  in  sealed  bags,  at  $5.00  per  half  pound,  with  directions  for  making 
it  into  syrup  (which  is  the  best  method  of  preparing  it),  with  dose,  etc. 
The  fluid  extract  is  much  higher,  $3.00  per  ounce. 

Properties  and  Uses. — An  unequalled  remedy  for  cancer,  syjjhilis,  ulcers, 
etc.  In  a  short  period,  when  taken,  the  typical  symptoms  subside,  the 
pain  is  diminished,  the  discharge  thickens  and  becomes  less  offensive, 
the  tumor  becomes  softer,  the  deposits  lessen,  the  expression  improves, 
and  a  cure  is  speedily  effected.  It  has  also  diuretic  and  tonic  powers, 
and  cures  many  nervous  diseases.  I  have  given  this  remedy  competent 
trials  in  cases  of  cancer  and  syphilis,  and  the  results  were  so  satisfactory 
as  to  surprise  me. 

Lose. — Of  the  powder,  one  to  two  drachms  ;  fluid  extract,  one  drachm. 
(Much  that  is  spurious  is  sold  in  the  market.) 

COPAIBA   (COPAIFEKA  OPFICrNALIS). 

Common  Name.     Balsam  of  Copaiba. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  oleo-resinous  juice. 

Description. — Copaiba  is  a  tall  and  handsome  tree,  with  many  small, 
crooked  branches,  and  a  grayish-brown  bark.  The  leaves  are  large  and 
equally  pinnated,  leaflets  in  pairs  of  from  two  to  five,  petioles  short. 
The  flowers  are  white ;  calyx  four-parted ;  stamens,  ten ;  fruit  obo- 
vate,  two-valved,  and  one-seeded. 


76  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

TLktory. — There  are  several  species  which  furnish  oil  of  copaiba, 
ail  natives  of  South  America  and  West  Indies.  The  juice  is  ob- 
tained by  deep  incisions  being  made  in  the  trunk  during  or  following 
the  wet  season  ;  the  balsam  (which,  however,  is  not  a  balsam,  as  it  con- 
tains no  benzoic  acid )  flows  freely,  being  clear,  transparent,  and  fluid, 
but  becoming  pale  yellowish  in  time.  The  oil  is  unpleasant  in  smell 
and  taste. 

Properties  and  Uses. — In  large  doses  Copaiba  is  an  irritant,  but  in 
proper  doses  it  is  stimulant,  cathartic,  and  diuretic.  It  exerts  a  favor- 
able influence  on  the  mucous  tissues  of  the  system,  diminishing  exces- 
sive secretions,  and  for  this  purpose  it  is  chiefly  employed.  Taken 
internally  it  gives  warmth  to  the  gastric  region,  and  sometimes  provokes 
nausea  and  emesis.  It  is  especially  useful  in  chronic  mucous  affections, 
as  gonorrhoea,  bronchitis,  diseases  of  the  bladder,  gleet,  chronic  catarrh, 
diarrhoea,  and  dysentery,  etc.,  etc.  It  was  formerly  regarded  as  a 
specific  for  gonorrhoea,  but  has  lost  some  of  its  prestige.  Locally  it  is 
an  excellent  application  to  fistulas,  chilblains,  old  ulcers,  etc. 

Dose.  —  From  twenty  to  sixty  drops  in  emulsion  with  yolk  of  egg  asvA. 
miut  or  cinnamon  water. 

CKANBERRY  (High).— (Viburnum  OruLUS.) 

Medicinal  Part.     TJie  bark. 

Description.  — It  is  a  nearly  smooth  and  upright  shrub,  or  small  tree, 
usually  from  five  to  twelve  feet  in  height,  with  several  stems  from  the 
same  root  branched  above ;  the  leaves  are  thi-ee-lobed,  three-veined, 
broadly -wedged  shape,  and  crenately  toothed  on  the  side.  The  flowers 
axe  white,  or  reddish-white  ;  the  fruit  ovoid,  red,  very  acid,  ripens  late, 
and  remains  upon  the  bush  after  the  leaves  have  fallen.  It  resembles 
the  common  cranberry,  and  is  sometimes  substituted  for  it. 

llhtory. — It  is  indigenous  to  the  northern  part  of  the  United  States 
and  Canadas,  being  a  handsome  shrub,  growing  Lu  low  rich  lands,  woods, 
and  borders  of  fields,  flowering  in  June,  and  preseiiting  at  this  time  a 
very  showy  appearance.  The  flowers  are  succeeded  by  red  and  very 
acid  berries,  resembling  low  craiibeiTies,  and  which  remain  through  the 
winter.  The  bark  is  the  officinal  part,  as  met  with  in  diiig-stores. 
It  is  frequently  put  up  by  Shakers,  when  it  is  somewhat  flattened  from 
pressure.  It  has  no  smell,  but  has  a  peculiar,  not  unpleasant,  bitterish, 
and  astringent  taste.  It  yields  its  properties  to  water  or  diluted  alcohol. 
Vihurnine  is  its  active  principle. 

Proyiertieti  (ind  I'ses. — It  is  a  powerful  antispasmodic,  and  hence  gene- 
rally laio\vn  among  American  practitioners  as  Cramp  Bark.  It  is  very- 
effective  in  cramps  and  spasms  of  all  kinds,  as  asthma,  hysteria,  cramps 
of  females  during  pregnancy,  preventing  the  attacks  entirely  if  vised 
daily  for  the  last  two  or  three  months  of  gestation. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  77 

The  following  forms  an  excellent  preparation  for  the  reUef  of  spas- 
modic attacks,  viz.  :  take  of  Cramp  bark,  two  ounces ;  scull-cap  skunk 
cabbage,  of  each  one  ounce ;  cloves,  half  an  ounce ;  capsicum,  two 
drachms.  Have  all  in  powder,  coarsely  bruised,  and  add  to  them  two 
quarts  of  sherry  or  native  wine.  Dose  of  this,  half  a  wineglassful  two 
or  three  times  a  day. 

It  may  here  be  remarked  that  a  poultice  of  the  fruit  of  the  Lo^n  Cran- 
berry is  very  efficacious  iu  indoleut  and  malignant  ulcers,  malignant 
scarlet  fever,  applied  to  the  throat ;  in  erysipelas,  and  other  similar  dis- 
eases.    Probably  the  High  Cranberry  will  effect  the  same  result. 

Dose. — Of  the  decoction,  or  vinous  tincture,  one  glassful  two  or  three 
times  a  day. 

CEANESBILL  (Geranium  Maculatum). 

Common  Names.  Dove's  Foot,  Crow  Foot,  Alum  Root,  Spotted  Gera- 
niu7n,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.    The  root. 

Description. — This  plant  has  a  perennial,  horizontal,  thick,  rough,  and 
knotty  root,  with  many  small  fibres.  The  stems  are  grayish-green, 
erect,  round,  and  a  foot  or  two  high.  The  leaves  are  spreading  and 
hairy,  and  the  blossoms  large,  and  generally  purple,  mostly  in  pairs. 
The  Dove's  Foot,  or  Cranebill,  which  grows  in  England,  is  a  different 
plant,  bearing  many  small  bright-red  flowers  of  five  leaves  apiece,  though 
it  possesses  medicinal  properties  similar  to  the  American  varieties. 

Histm'y. — Geranium  is  a  native  of  the  United  States,  growing  in 
nearly  all  parts  of  it,  in  low  grounds,  open  woods,  etc. ,  blossoming  from 
April  to  June.  The  root  is  the  officiual  part.  Its  virtues  are  yielded  to 
water  or  alcohol.      Oeranin  is  its  active  principle. 

Projyerties  and  Uses.— It  is  a  powerful  astringent,  used  in  the  second 
stage  of  dysentery,  diarrhoea,  and  cholera  infantum ;  in  infusion,  with 
milk.  Both  internally  and  externally  it  may  be  used  wherever  astrin- 
gents are  indicated,  in  hemorrhages,  indolent  ulcers,  aphthous  sore 
mouth,  ophthalmia,  leucorrhosa,  gleet,  hematuria,  menorrhagia,  dia- 
betes, and  excessive  chronic  mucous  discharges ;  also  to  cure  mercurial 
salivation.  Relaxation  of  the  uvula  may  be  benefited  by  gargling  with 
a  decoction  of  the  root,  as  well  as  aphthous  ulceration  of  the  mouth 
and  throat.  From  its  freedom  from  any  nauseous  or  unpleasant  quali- 
ties, it  is  well  adapted  to  iufants  and  persons  with  fastidious  stomachs. 
In  cases  of  bleeding  piles,  a  strong  decoction  of  the  root  should  be  in- 
jected into  the  rectum,  and  retained  as  long  as  possible.  Troublesome 
epistaxis,  or  bleeding  from  the  nose,  wounds,  or  small  vessels,  and  from 
the  extraction  of  teeth,  may  be  checked  effectually  by  applying  the 
powder  to  the  bleediug  orifice,  and,  if  possible,  covering  with  a  com- 
press of  cotton.     With  Aletri's  Farinosa  ( Unicorn  root)  in  decoction,  and 


78  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

taken  internally,  it  has  proved  of  superior  efficacy  in  diabetes  and  in 
Bright's  disease  of  the  kidneys.  A  mixture  or  sohition  of  two  parts  of 
hydrastin  and  one  of  geranin  will  be  found  of  unrivalled  efficacy  ia  all 
chronic  mucous  diseases,  as  in  gleet,  leucorrhoea,  ophthalmia,  gastric 
affections,  catarrh,  and  vdceration  of  the  bladder,  etc.  A  decoction  of 
two  parts  of  geranium  and  one  of  sanguinaria  (Bhodroot)  forms  an  ex- 
cellent injection  for  gleet  and  leucorrhoea. 

Dose  of  geranium  powder,  from  twenty  to  thirty  grains;  of  the  de- 
coction, a  tablespoonful  to  a  ■wineglassful. 


CRAWLEY  (CoRALLOKHizA  Odontorhiza). 

Common  Names.     Drngoii's  Claw,  Cm-al  root,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Besciij^tion.— This  is  a  singular,  leafless  plant,  with  coral-Like  root- 
Btocks.  The  root  is  a  collection  of  small  fleshy  tubers ;  the  flowers, 
fi-om  ten  to  twenty  in  number,  are  of  a  brownish-green  color,  and  the 
fruit  a  large  oblong  capsule. 

History. — The  plant  is  a  native  of  the  United  States,  growing  about 
the  roots  of  trees,  in  rich  woods,  from  Maine  to  Florida,  flowering  from 
July  to  October.  The  entire  plant  is  destitute  of  verdui-e.  The  root 
only  is  used  for  medical  purposes.  It  is  small,  dark  brown,  resembling 
cloves,  or  a  hen's  claws ;  has  a  strong,  nitrous  smell,  and  a  mucilagi- 
nous, slightly  bitter,  astringent  taste. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  probably  the  most  powerful,  prompt,  and 
certain  diaphoretic  in  the  materia  mcdica ;  but  its  scarcity  and  high 
price  prevents  it  from  coming  in  general  use.  It  is  also  sedative,  and 
promotes  perspiration  without  producing  any  excitement  in  the  system. 
Its  chief  value  is  as  a  diaphoretic  in  fevers,  especially  in  typhus,  and 
inflammatorj'  diseases.  It  has  proved  effectual  in  acute  erysipelas, 
cramps,  flatulency,  pleurisy,  and  night-sweats ;  it  relieves  hectic  fever 
without  debilitating  the  patient.  Its  virtues  are  especially  marked  in 
the  low  stages  of  fevers. 

Combined  with  caulophyllin  it  forms  an  excellent  agent  in  amenor- 
rhoea  and  dysmenoiThoea,  or  scanty  or  painful  menstruation,  and  is  un- 
surpassed in  after-pains,  suppression  of  lochia,  and  the  febrile  symptoms 
which  sometimes  occur  at  the  parturient  period. 

In  fevers  Crawley  may  be  advantageously  combined  with  leptandrin 
or  podophyllin,  when  it  is  found  necessary  to  act  upon  the  bowels  cr 
liver ;  and  mixed  with  dioscorein  it  wUl  be  found  almost  a  specific  in 
flatulent  and  bilious  colic. 

Dose. — From  tv/cnty  to  thirty  grains  of  the  powdered  root,  given  ia 
water  as  wann  as  the  patient  can  drink,  and  repeated  everj-  hour  or  two, 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  79 

according  to  circumstances.    The  powder  should  always  be  kept  in  well- 
closed  vials.     It  constitutes  the  fever  powders  of  some  practitioners. 

CROWFOOT  (Ranunculus  Bulbosus). 

Medicinal  Parts.    The  eonmis  and  hefrh. 

Description. — This  plant  is  not  to  be  confounded  with  the  Geranium 
maculatum,  which  is  also  called  Crowfoot.  The  cormus  or  root  of  thia 
herb  is  a  perennial,  solid,  fleshy,  roundish,  and  depressed,  sending  out 
radicles  from  its  under  sides.  The  root  sends  up  annually  erect  hairy 
stems,  six  to  eighteen  inches  in  height.  The  leaves  are  on  long  petioles, 
dentate  and  hairy.  Each  stem  supports  several  soUtary  golden-yeUow 
flowers  ;  sepals,  oblong  and  hairy ;  petals,  five,  cordate ;  stamens  nu- 
merous and  hairy. 

Ilititory. — This  plant  is  common  in  Europe  and  the  United  States, 
growing  in  fields  and  pastures,  and  flowering  in  May,  June,  and  July. 
There  a  great  many  varieties,  but  all  possess  similar  quahties,  and  des- 
ignated by  the  general  name  of  Butter-cup.  When  any  part  of  these 
plants  is  chewed,  it  occasions  much  pain,  inflammation,  excoriation  of 
the  mouth,  and  much  heat  and  pains  in  the  stomach,  if  it  be  taken 
internally. 

Properties  and  Uses. — This  plant  is  too  acrid  to  be  used  internally, 
especially  when  fresh.  When  appHed  externally  it  is  powerfully  rube- 
facient and  epispastic.  It  is  employed  in  its  recent  state  in  rheumatic 
neuralgia  and  other  diseases  where  vesication  and  counter-irritation 
are  indicated.  Its  action,  however,  is  generally  so  violent  that  it  is  sel- 
dom used.  The  beggars  use  it  to  produce  and  keep  open  sores  to  excite 
sympathy.  It  has  been  used  with  success  in  obstinate  cases  of  nursing 
sore-mouth- — an  infusion  being  made  by  adding  two  drachms  of  the 
recent  root,  cut  into  small  pieces,  to  one  pint  of  hot  water,  when  cold  a 
tablespoonful  being  given  two  or  three  times  a  day,  and  the  mouth  fre- 
quently washed  with  a  much  stronger  infusion. 

CUBEBS  (Piper  Cubeba), 

Medicinal  Part.     The  berries. 

Description. — This  is  a  perennial  plant,  with  a  climbing  stem,  round 
branches,  about  as  thick  as  a  goose-quill,  ash-colored,  and  rooting  at  the 
joints.  The  leaves  are  from  four  to  six  and  a  half  inches  long  by  one 
and  a  half  to  two  inches  broad,  ovate-oblong,  acuminate,  and  very 
smooth.  Flowers  arranged  in  spikes  at  the  end  of  the  branches  ;  fruit, 
a  berry  rather  longer  than  that  of  black  pepper. 

Uistory.  — Cubebs  is  a  native  of  Java  and  other  islands  of  the  Indian 
Ocean,  growing  in  the  forests  without  cultivation.  The  fruit  is  gathered 
before  fully  ripe,  and  then  dried.     It  affords  a  volatile  oil,  which  is  much 


80  THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

used.  Cubebs  has  a  pleasant,  aromatic  odor,  and  a  hot,  bitter  taste. 
Cubebin  is  the  active  principle. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  mildly  stimulant,  expectorant,  stomachic, 
and  carminative.  It  acts  particularly  on  mucous  tissues,  and  arrests 
excessive  discharges,  especially  from  the  urethra.  It  exercises  an  influ- 
ence over  the  urinaiy  apparatus,  rendering  the  urine  of  deeper  color. 
It  is  successfully  employed  La  gonorrhoea,  gleet,  leucorrhoea,  chronic 
bladder  diseases,  bronchial  affections,  and  atony  of  the  stomach  and 
bowels. 

Dose.  — Of  the  powder,  half  a  drachm  to  a  drachm ;  tincture,  two 
fluid  drachms  ;  oil,  ten  to  thirty  drops. 

DAISY  (Leucanthemum  Vulgare). 

CoM\roN  Names.     Ox-eye  Daisy,  White  Weed. 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  leaves  and  flowers. 

Descri])tion. — This  is  a  perennial  herb,  having  an  erect,  branching, 
and  furrowed  stem,  from  one  to  two  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  few, 
alternate,  lanceolate-serrate,  the  lower  ones  i^etiolate  ;  the  upper  ones 
small,  subulate,  and  sessile. 

History. — The  plant  was  introduced  into  the  United  States  from 
Europe,  and  is  a  veiy  troublesome  weed  to  farmers  in  nearly  every  sec- 
tion. It  bears  white  flowers  in  June  and  July.  The  leaves  are  odorous 
and  somewhat  acid  ;  the  flowers  are  bitterish  ;  they  impart  their  virtues 
to  water. 

Properties  and  Uses.— It  is  tonic,  diuretic,  and  anti-spasmodic,  and,  in 
large  doses,  emetic.  It  is  used  as  a  tonic  instead  of  Chamomile  flowers, 
and  is  sei-viceable  in  whooping-cough,  asthma,  and  nervous  excitability. 
Very  beneficial  externally  and  internally  in  leucorrhoea.  Its  internal 
use  is  highly  recommended  in  colliquative  perspiration.  Externally  it 
is  a  good  application  to  wounds,  ulcers,  scald-head,  and  some  other 
cutaneous  diseases.  Dose  of  the  decoction,  from  a  wineglassful  to  a 
teacupful,  two  or  three  times  a  day.  The  fresh  leaves  or  flowers  will 
destroy  or  drive  away  fleas. 

DANDELION  (Leontodox  Taraxacum), 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — Dandelion  is  a  perennial,  top-shaped  herb,  having  a 
very  milky  root.  The  leaves  are  all  radical,  shining  green  in  color, 
sessile,  and  pinnate.  The  scape  or  flower  stem  is  onger  than  the 
leaves,  five  or  six  inches  in  height,  and  bearing  a  single  yellow  flower. 
The  fruit  is  an  achenium. 

Jlislory.— This  plant  is  a  native  of  Greece,  but  is  now  found  growing 
abundantly  in  Europe  and  the  United  States,  in  fields,  gardens,  and 
along  road-sides,  flowering  from  April  to  November.     The  root  only  is 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  81 

the  officinal  part,  and  should  be  collected  when  the  plant  is  in  flower. 
Alcohol  or  boiling  water  extracts  its  properties.  The  young  plant  is 
frequently  used  as  a  salad  or  green,  and  possesses  some  sUght  narcotic 
properties. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  dried  root  possesses  but  httle  medicinal 
virtue  ;  but  when  fresh,  is  a  stomachic  and  tonic,  with  slightly  diurctio 
and  aperient  actions.  It  has  long  been  supposed  to  exert  an  influence 
upon  the  biliary  organs,  removing  torpor  and  engorgement  of  the  liver 
as  well  as  of  the  spleen ;  it  is  also  reputed  beneficial  in  dropsies  owmg  to 
want  of  action  of  the  abdominal  organs,  in  uterine  obstnictions,  chronic 
diseases  of  the  skin,  etc.     Its  virtues,  however,  are  much  over-rated. 

DEVIL'S  BIT  (Helonias  Diocia). 

Common  Names.     False  Unimrii  Boot,  Drooping  Star  Wort,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Descrijition. — This  is  an  herbaceous  perennial  plant,  with  a  largo 
bulbous  root,  from  which  arises  a  very  smooth  angular  stem  one  or  two 
feet  in  height.  The  cauline  leaves  are  lanceolate,  acute,  and  small ; 
the  radical  leaves  (or  those  springing  from  the  root)  are  broader  and 
from  four  to  eight  inches  in  length.  The  flowers  are  small,  very  numer- 
ous, greenish-white,  disposed  in  long,  terminal,  nodding  racemes,  re- 
sembling plumes.     The  fruit  is  a  capsule. 

History.  — This  plant  is  indigenous  to  the  United  States,  and  Ls  abun- 
dant in  some  of  the  Western  States,  growing  in  woodlands,  meadows, 
and  moist  situations,  and  flowering  in  June  aud  July. 

Properties  and  Uses. — In  large  doses  it  is  emetic,  and  when  fresh,  sia- 
lagogue.  In  doses  of  ten  or  fifteen  grains  of  the  powdered  root,  repeated 
three  or  four  times  a  day,  it  has  been  found  very  beneficial  in  dyspepsia, 
loss  of  appetite,  and  for  the  removal  of  worms.  It  is  beneficial  in  colic, 
and  in  atony  of  the  generative  organs.  It  is  invaluable  in  uterine  dis- 
eases, acting  as  a  uterine  tonic,  and  gradually  removing  abnormal  con- 
ditions, while  at  the  same  time  it  imparts  tone  and  vigor  to  the  repro- 
ductive organs.  Hence,  it  is  much  used  in  leucorrhoea,  amenorrhoea, 
dvsmenorrhoea,  and  to  remove  the  tendency  to  repeated  and  successive 
miscarriage.  The  plant  wfll  kill  cattle  feeding  on  it,  aud  the  decoction, 
insects,  bugs,  and  lice. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  from  twenty  to  forty  grains  ;  of  the  decoction, 
from  a  wineglassful  to  a  teacupful. 

The  Helonias  BuUata,  with  puri^le  flowers,  and  probably  some  othei 
BiJecies  possess  similar  medicinal  virtues. 

DOCK  (RuMEX  Crispus). 

Medicinal  Part.     I'he  root. 

Description. — There  are  four  varieties  of  Dock  which  may  be  used  in 


82 


TUE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 


medicine  :  the  Rumcx  Aquaticvs  (Great  Water  Dock) ;  liumeo!  Bntan- 
?«Va  (Water  Dock);  Rumex  Abtusifolins  (Blnnt-leaved  Dock);  and  the 
R.  Crispvs,  or  Yellow  Dock.  They  all  possess  simi- 
lar medicinal  qualities,  but  the  Yellow  Dock  is  the 
only  one  entitled  to  extensive  consideration.  It  has 
a  deep,  spindle-shaped  yellow  root,  with  a  stem 
two  or  three  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  lanceolate, 
acute,  and  of  a  light  green  color.  The  flowers  are 
numerous,  pale  green,  drooping,  and  interspersed 
with  leaves  below.  The  fruit  is  a  nut  contracted  at 
each  end. 

Ilistori/.- — The  Docks  are  natives  of  Europe,  ex- 
cepting the  blunt-leaved,  which  is  indigenous,  but 
they  have  all  been  introduced  into  the  United  States. 
Yellow  Dock  grows  in  cultivated  grounds,  waste 
grounds,  about  rubbish,  etc. ,  flowering  in  June  and 
July.  The  root  has  scarcely  any  odor,  but  an  as- 
tringent bitter  taste,  and  yields  its  virtues  to  water 
Dock.  ^™<i  alcohol. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Yellow  Dock  is  an  altera- 
tive, tonic  and  detergent,  and  eminently  useful  in  scorbutic,  cutaneou.s, 
Bcrofulous,  cancerous  and  syphilitic  affections,  leprosy,  elephahtiasis, 
etc.  For  all  impurities  of  the  blood 
it  has  no  equal,  especially  if  pro- 
perly compounded  with  appropriate 
adjutants  and  corrigents.  The  fresh 
root  bruised  in  cream,  lard,  or 
butter,  forms  a  good  ointment  for 
various  affections.  This  admirable 
alterative  is  one  of  the  ingredients 
of  my  Blood  Purifier  isee  page  469), 
in  which  it  is  associated  with  other 
eminent  alteratives,  making  the 
compound  worthy  of  the  reputation 
it  has  achieved. 


DOGWOOD  (CoRNus  Florida). 

Common     Names.        Boxwood, 
Flowering  Cornel,  Green  Ozier. 

Medicinal  Part.     77ie  bark. 

Description. — Dogwood  is  a  small 
indigenous  tree  from  twelve  to  thirty  feet  high,  with  a  very  hard  ani 
compact  wood,  and  covered  with  a  rough  and  brownish  bark.  The  tree 
is  of  Blow  giovvth.     The  leaves  are  opposite,  smooth,  ovate,  acute,  dark 


Dogwood. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  83 

green  above,  paler  beneath.  The  flowers  are  very  small,  of  a  greenish 
yeUow  color,  and  constitute  the  chief  beauty  of  the  tree  when  in  bloom. 
The  fruit  is  an  oval  drupe  of  a  glossy  scarlet  color,  containing  a  nut  with 
two  cells  and  two  seeds. 

History.  — This  tree  grows  in  various  parts  of  the  United  States ;  it 
flowers  in  AprU  and  May.  The  fruit  matures  in  autumn.  The  wood  is 
used  for  many  purposes.  The  bark  yields  its  virtues  to  water  and  alco- 
hol. The  chemical  qualities  are  tannic  and  gallic  acids,  resin,  gum,  oil, 
wax,  Ugnin,  Urae,  potassa,  and  iron. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  tonic,  astringent,  and  slightly  stimulant. 
It  is  an  excellent  substitute  for  Peruvian  bark,  and  may  be  used  when 
the  foreign  remedy  is  not  to  be  obtained,  or  when  it  fails,  or  where  it 
cannot  be  administered.  The  bark  should  only  be  used  tu  its  dried  state. 
Cornine^  its  active  principle,  is  much  used  as  a  substitute  for  quinine. 

Dogwood,  or  green  ozier,  exerts  its  best  vii'tues  in  the  shajie  of  an 
ointment.  It  is  detergent  in  all  inflammatory  conditions,  destructive  to 
morbid  growths,  and  at  variance  with  diseased  nutrition.  It  stimulates 
granulations,  increases  the  reparative  process,  induces  circulation  of 
healthy  blood  to  the  parts,  removes  effete  matter,  vitalizes  the  tissues, 
and  speedily  removes  pain  from  the  diseased  parts.  It  fulfils  these 
conditions  iu  my  gi'eat  healing  remedy,  the  ' '  Herbal  Ointment, "  see 
page  469. 

Dose.  — Of  the  powder,  twenty  to  sixty  grains ;  extract,  five  to  ten 
grains ;  comine,  from  one  to  ten  grains. 

DKAGON  ROOT   (Arum  TRirnvLLUM). 

Common  Names.    Wake  Robin.^  Indian  Turnip.^  Jack  in  the  Pulpit.,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  cormus  or  root. 

Descri2)tion. — This  plant  has  a  round,  flattened,  perennial  rhizome; 
the  upper  part  is  tunicated  like  an  onion.  The  leaves  are  generally  one 
or  two,  standing  on  long,  sheathing  footstalks ;  leaflets  oval,  mostly 
entire,  acuminate,  smooth,  and  paler  on  the  under  side. 

History. — It  inhabits  North  and  South  America,  is  found  in  wet  loca- 
tions, and  flowers  from  May  to  June.  The  whole  plant  is  acrid,  but  the 
root  is  the  only  part  employed.  It  is  of  various  sizes,  turnip-shaped, 
dark  and  corrugated  externaUy,  and  mOk-white  within,  seldom  exceed- 
ing two  and  a  half  inches  in  diameter.  When  first  dug  it  is  too  fiercely 
acrid  for  internal  employment,  as  it  will  leave  an  impression  upon  the 
tongue,  lips,  and  fauces,  like  that  of  a  severe  scald,  followed  by  inflam- 
mation and  tenderness,  which,  however,  may  be  somewhat  mollified  by 
milk.  It  exerts  no  such  influence  upon  the  external  skin,  except  upon 
long  and  continued  application.  The  root  loses  its  acrimony  by  age, 
and  should  always  be  used  when  partially  dried.  In  addition  to  its 
acrid  principle,  it  contains  a  large  i^roportion  of  starch,  with  a  portion 


84  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

of  gnm,  albumen,  and  saccharine  matter.  When  the  acrid  matter  is 
driven  oil  by  heat,  the  root  yields  a  pui-e,  delicate,  amylaceous  matter, 
resembling  arrow-.voot,  very  white  and  nutiitive. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  acrid,  expectorant,  and  diaphoretic,  used 
in  asthma,  hooping-coug-h,  chronic  bronchitis,  chronic  rheumatism,  pains 
in  the  chest,  colic,  low  stages  of  ty]3hus,  and  general  debility ;  exter- 
nally in  scrofulous  tumors,  scald-head,  and  various  skin  diseases. 

Dose.  — Of  the  gi'ated  root,  in  syrup  or  mucilage,  ten  grains,  three  or 
four  times  a  day. 

ELDER   (Sambucus  Canadensis). 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  flowers  and  berries. 

Description. — This  is  a  common,  weU-kuown  native  American  plant, 
from  five  to  twelve  feet  high,  with  a  shruljby  stem,  filled  with  a  light 
and  porous  pith,  especially  when  young.  The  bark  is  rather  scabrous 
and  cinereous.  The  leaves  are  nearly  bipinnate,  antiposed.  The  flowers 
are  numerous,  white,  in  very  large  level-topped,  five-parted  cymes,  and 
have  a  heavy  odor.  The  European  Elder,  though  larger  than  the  Ameri- 
can kind,  is  similar  in  its  general  characteristics  and  properties. 

History. — It  is  an  indigenous  shmb,  growing  in  all  parts  of  the  United 
States,  in  low,  damp  grounds,  thickets,  and  waste  places,  flowering  in 
June  and  July,  and  matuiing  its  berries  in  September  and  Odtober. 
The  officinal  parts  are  the  flowers,  the  berries,  and  the  inner  bark. 

Projieriies  and  Uses. — In  warm  infusion  the  flowers  are  diaphoretic 
and  gently  stimulant.  In  cold  infusion  they  are  diuretic,  alterative, 
and  cooling,  and  may  be  used  in  all  diseases  requiring  such  action,  as  in 
hepatic  derangements  of  children,  erysipelas,  erysipelatous  diseases,  etc. 
In  infusion  with  Maiden-hair  and  Beech-drops,  they  will  be  found  very 
valuable  in  all  erysipelatous  diseases.  TJie  e.vpresscdjmce  of  the  berries, 
evaporated  to  the  consistence  of  a  syrup,  is  a  valuable  aperient  and 
alterative  ;  one  ounce  of  it  will  purge.  An  infusion  of  the  young  leaf- 
buds  is  likewise  purgative^  and  sometimes  acts  with  violence.  The 
flowers  and  expressed  juice  of  the  berries  have  been  beneficially  em- 
ployed in  scrofula,  cutaneous  diseases,  syphilis,  rheumatism,  etc.  The 
inner  green  bark  is  cathartic ;  an  infusion  of  it  in  wine,  or  the  expressed 
juice,  wiU  purge  moderately  in  doses  from  half  a  fluid  ounce  to  a  fluid 
ounce.  Large  doses  j)roduce  cmesis  or  vomiting.  In  small  doses  it  pro- 
duces an  efficacious  deobstrucnt,  promoting  aU  the  fluid  secretions,  and 
is  much  used  in  dropsy,  especially  that  following  scarlatina  and  other 
febrfle  and  exanthematous  complaints,  as  well  as  in  many  chronic  dis- 
eases. Beaten  up  with  lard  or  cream,  it  fonns  an  excellent  discutient 
ointment,  of  much  value  in  burns,  scalds,  and  some  cutaneous  diseases. 
The  juice  of  the  root  in  half-ormce  doses,  taken  daily,  acts  as  a  hydra- 
goguo  cathartic,  and  stimulating  diuretic,  and  wiU  be  found  valuable  in  all 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  85 

dropsical  affections.  The  icucr  barli  of  Elder  is  hydragogue  and  emetico- 
cathartic.  Has  been  successfnlly  used  in  epilepsy,  by  taking  it  from 
branches  one  or  two  years  old,  scraping  off  the  gray  outer  bark,  and 
steepiug  two  ounces  of  it  in  five  ounces  of  cold  or  hot  water  for  forty- 
eight  hours.  Strain  and  give  a  wineglassful  every  fifteen  minutes  when 
the  fit  is  threateniag  :  the  patient  fasting.  Resume  it  every  six  or  eight 
days. 

ELECAMPANE  (Inula  Helenium). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Descri/pUon. — This  plant  has  a  thick,  top-shaped,  aromatic,  and  pe- 
rennial root,  with  a  thick,  leafy,  round,  solid  stem,  from  four  to  six  feet 
high.  The  leaves  are  large,  ovate,  dark  green  above,  downy  and  hoary 
beneath,  with  a  fleshy  mid-rib.  The  flowers  are  of  a  bright  yellow  color, 
and  the  fruit  an  achenium. 

History. — Elecampane  is  common  in  Europe,  and  cultivated  in  the 
United  States.  It  grows  in  pastures  and  along  road-sides,  blossoming 
from  July  to  September.  The  root  is  the  part  used,  and  should  bo 
gathered  iu  the  second  year  of  its  development,  and  during  the  fall 
months.  It  yields  its  properties  to  water  and  alcohol,  more  especially 
to  the  former. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  aromatic,  stimulant,  tonic,  emmenagogue, 
diuretic,  and  diaphoretic.  It  is  much  used  in  chronic  pulmonary  affec- 
tions, weakness  of  the  digestive  organs,  hepatic  toiT^or,  dyspepsia,  etc. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  from  one  scruple  to  one  drachm  ;  of  the  infu- 
sion, one  to  two  fluid  ounces. 

ERGOT   (Secale  Cornutum). 

Common  Names.     Spurred  or  Smut  Bye. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  degenerated  seeds. 

Description. — Ergot  is  the  name  given  to  the  fungoid,  degenerated 
seeds  of  the  common  rye,  which  is  the  result  of  a  parasitic  plant  called 
Oidium  Abortifadens. 

HisUn'y. — Ergot  consists  of  grains,  varying  in  length,  of  a  violet-black 
color  ;  odor  fishy,  peculiar,  and  nauseous.  Their  taste  is  not  very  marked, 
but  is  disagreeable  and  slightly  acrid.  They  should  be  gathered  previous 
to  harvest.    • 

Properties  and  Uses. — Ergot  has  a  remarkable  effect  upon  the  human 
system,  and  when  persisted  ui  for  a  length  of  time  as  an  article  of  food 
manifests  certain  symptoms  termed  ergotism.  Its  chief  use  as  a  medicine 
is  to  promote  uterine  contractions  in  slow,  natural  labors.  It  is  also 
useful  in  checking  menorrhagia,  uterine  hemon-hages,  and  to  expel 
polypi.  It  is  also  employed  in  gonorrhoea,  amenorrhoea,  paraplegia, 
paralysis  of  the  bladder,  fever  and  ague. 


S6  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

This  is  a  valuable  remedy  to  the  obstetrician  and  midwife,  but  its  use 
should  not  be  jiersisted  in  too  long,  as  it  often  produces  dangerous 
symptoms. 

Dose.  — Of  the  powder,  five,  ten,  or  fifteen  gr-aius  ;  fluid  extract,  thirty 
drops. 

ERYNGO  (Eryngium  Aquaticum). 

Common  Names.     Buttyrisnake  Root,  Rattlesnake^  Master,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     TJie  root. 

Description. — This  indigenous,  perennial  herb  has  a  simple  stem  from 
one  to  five  feet  high.  The  root  is  a  tuber ;  the  leaves  are  one  or  two 
feet  long,  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  wide,  and  taper-pointed.  The  flowers 
are  white  or  pale,  and  inconspicuous. 

History. — This  plant  is  indigenous,  growing  in  swamjis  and  low,  wet 
lands  from  Virginia  to  Texas,  especially  on  i^rairie  lands,  blossoming  in 
August.  The  root  is  the  officinal  part.  Water  or  alcohol  extracts  its 
properties. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  ai^hrodisiac,  exciting  venereal  desires  and 
strengthening  the  procreative  organs.  It  is  also  diuretic,  stimulant, 
diaphoretic,  expectorant,  and,  in  large  doses,  emetic.  Very  Useful  in 
dropsy,  nephritic  and  calculous  affections,  also  in  scrofula  and  svphilis. 
It  is  valuable  as  a  diaphoretic  and  expectorant  in  pulmonary  affections. 
It  is  a  good  substitute  for  Setiega.  The  pulverized  root,  iu  doses  of  two 
or  three  grains,  is  very  effectual  in  hemorrhoids  and  prolapsus  ani.  Two 
ounces  of  the  pulverized  root,  added  to  one  pint  of  good  Holland  gin,  is 
effectual  in  obstinate  cases  of  gonorrhoea  and  gleet,  to  be  admiui.stered 
in  doses  of  one  or  two  fluid  drachms,  three  or  four  times  a  day.  Ey 
some  practitioners  the  root  is  employed  as  a  specific  in  gonorrhoea,  gleet, 
and  leucorrhoea ;  used  internally  in  syrup,  decoction,  or  tincture — and 
the  decoction  applied  locally  by  injection.  Used  externally  and  inter- 
nally, it  cures  the  bites  of  snakes  and  insects. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  from  twenty  to  forty  grains  ;  of  the  decoction, 
which  is  principally  used,  from  two  to  four  fluid  ounces,  several  times  » 
day. 

EYE-BRIGHT  (Euphrasia  Officinalis). 

Medicinal  Part.     T?ie  leaves. 

Description. — This  is  an  elegant  httle  annual  plant,  with  a  square, 
downy,  leafy  stem,  from  one  to  five  inches  in  height.  The  leaves  are 
entirely  opposite,  ovate  or  cordate,  and  downy  ;  the  flowers  very  abun- 
dant, inodorous,  with  a  brilliant  variety  of  colors.  The  fruit  is  an  ob- 
long pod,  fiUed  with  numerous  seeds. 

Ilislvry. — This  plant  is  indigenous  to  Europe  aud  America,  bearing 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  87 

red  or  white  flowers  in  July.  The  leaves  are  commonly  employed; 
they  are  inodorous,  but  of  a  bitter,  astringent  taste.  Water  extracts 
their  virtues. 

Properties  and  Virtues. — Slightly  tonic  and  astringent.  Useful  in 
form  of  infusion  or  poultice,  in  catarrhal  ophthalmia ;  also  of  service  in 
all  mucous  diseases  attended  with  increased  discharges ;  also,  in  cough, 
hoarseness,  ear-ache,  and  head-ache,  which  have  supervened  upon  catar- 
rhal affections.  Four  fluid  ounces  of  the  infusion  taken  every  morning 
upon  an  empty  stomach,  and  also  every  night  at  bed-time,  has  been 
found  successful  in  helping  epilepsy. 

FERNS  (FiLiCES). 

Royal  FLOWERme  Fern.     Osmunda  Regalis. 

Common  Name.     Buckhorn  Brake. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — This  Fern  has  a  hard,  scaly,  tuberous  root,  quite  fibrous, 
and  a  whitish  core  in  the  centre.  The  fronds  are  three  or  four  feet 
high,  bright  green,  and  doubly  pinnate.  The  numerous  leaflets  are 
sessile  and  oblong,  some  of  the  upper  ones  cut. 

History. — This  beautiful  Fern  is  found  in  meadows,  and  low,  moist 
grounds,  throughout  the  United  States,  blossoming  in  June.  The  main 
root  or  caudex  is  the  officinal  part ;  it  is  about  two  inches  long,  and  has 
the  shai^e  of  a  buck's  horn.  It  contains  an  abundance  of  mucilage,  which 
is  extracted  by  boiling  water.  The  roots  should  be  collected  in  August, 
or  about  the  latter  part  of  May,  and  dried  with  great  care,  as  they  are 
apt  to  become  mouldy. 

The  Osmunda  Ginnamomea.,  or  cinnamon-colored  Fern,  is  inferior  to 
the  preceding,  but  is  frequently  used  for  the  same  medical  purposes. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Mucilaginous,  tonic,  and  styptic.  Used  in 
coughs,  diarrhoea,  and  dysentery ;  also  used  as  a  tonic  during  conva- 
lescence from  exhausting  diseases.  One  root,  infused  in  a  pint  of  hot 
water  for  half  an  hour,  will  convert  the  whole  into  a  thick  jeUy,  very 
valuable  in  leucorrhoea  and  other  female  weaknesses.  The  mucilage 
mixed  with  brandy  is  a  popular  remedy  as  an  external  application  for 
subluxations  and  debility  of  the  muscles  of  the  back.  For  internal  use 
the  roots  may  be  infused  in  hot  water,  sweetened,  and  ginger,  cinnamon, 
brandy,  etc. ,  added,  if  not  contra-indicated. 

FEMALE  FERN  (Polypodium  Vulgare). 

Common  Names.     Rock  Polypod,  Brake  Root.,  Common  Polypody. 
Medicinal  Parts.     The  root  and  tops. 

Description. — This  perennial  has  a  creeping,  irregular,  brown  root. 
The  fronds  are  from  six  to  twelve  inches   high,  green,  smooth,  and 


88 


THE    COMPLETE    nERBALIST. 


deeply  pinnatified.  The  fruit  on  the  lower  surface  of  the  fronds  is  in 
large  golden  dots  or  capsules. 

Jlistori/.— This  iem  is  common  on  shady  rocks  in  woods  and  moun- 
tains throughout  the  United  States.  The  root  has  a  peculiar  and  rather 
unpleasant  odor,  and  somewhat  sickening  taste.  Water  extracts  its 
properties. 

Properties  and  Uses. — This  plant  is  pectoral,  demulcent,  purgative, 
and  anthelmintic.  A  decoction  of  sjTup  has  been  found  very  valuable 
in  pulmonaiy  and  hepatic  diseases.  A  strong  decoction  is  a  good  purga- 
tive, and  will  exptl  tenia  and  other  worms.  Dose  of  the  powdered 
plant,  from  one  to  four  drachms.  Of  the  decoction  or  syrup,  from  one 
to  four  fluid  ounces,  three  or  four  times  a  day. 


JIALE  FERN  (Aspidioi  Filix  Mas). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  rhizome. 

Description.— Mcie  Fern  has  a  large,  perennial,  tufted,  scaly  rhizome, 
sending  forth  yeai'ly  several  leaves,  three  or  four  feet  high,  erect,  oval, 

lanceolaifce,  acute, 
pinna t-«,  bright 
green,  and"^,  leafy 
nearly  to  tl^  bot- 
tom ;  their  stalks 
and  midribs  having 
tough,  brown,  and 
transparent  scales 
throughout.  Leaf- 
lets numerous, 
crowded,  oblong,  ob- 
tuse, and  crenate 
throughout. 

Hi  St  or  y.  — Male 
Fern  grows  in  all 
parts  of  the  United 
States  and  Europe. 
The  root  has  a  dark 
brown  epiderm,  is 
almost  inodorous, 
and  a  nauseous  swest 
It   contains  a  green  fat  oil,  gum,  resin,  lignia,  tannic  acid, 

pectin,  albumen,  etc.     It  should  be  gathered  from  June  to  September. 

After  gathering,  it  should  be  carefully  prepared,  as  on  the  preparation 

its  virtues  depend.     It  loses  its  virtues  in  two  years  if  not  properly 

preserved. 


Male  Feim. 


taste. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  89 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  used  for  the  exiiulsion  of  worms,  especially 
tape- worms.  It  was  used  as  such  by  Pliny,  Dioscorides,  Theophrastus, 
and  Galen.  It  was  the  celebrated  secret  remedy  of  Madame  NoufCer.  the 
widow  of  a  Swiss  surgeon,  who  sold  her  secret  to  Louis  XVI.  for  18,000 
francs.  It  is,  in  fact,  a  royal  anthelmintic,  and  worthy  of  all  the  high 
commendations  it  has  received  from  ages  past  up  to  the  present  time. 
It  is  one  of  the  ingredients  of  my  "  Male  Fern  Vermifuge."  See  page 
4G9. 

FEVERFEW    (Pyrethrum  PARxnENiuM). 

Medicikal  Part.     The  herb. 

Description. — Feverfew  is  a  perennial  herbaceous  plant,  with  a  taper- 
ing root,  and  an  erect,  round,  and  leafy  stem  about  two  feet  high.  The 
leaves  are  alternate,  petiolate,  hoary  green,  with  leaflets  inclining  to 
ovate  and  dentate.  The  flowers  are  white  and  compound,  and  the  fruit 
a  wingless,  angular,  and  uniform  achenium. 

Ilistoi'y.  —The  lalant  is  a  native  of  Europe,  but  common  in  the  United 
States ;  found  occasionally  in  a  wild  state,  but  generally  cultivated  in 
gardens,  and  blossoms  in  June  and  July.  It  imparts  its  virtues  to  water, 
but  much  better  to  alcohol. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  tonic,  carminative,  emmenagogue,  vermi- 
fuge, and  stimulant.  The  warm  infusion  is  an  excellent  remedy  in 
recent  colds,  flatulency,  worms,  irregular  menstruation,  hysteria,  sup- 
pression of  urine,  and  in  some  febrile  diseases.  In  hysteria  or  flatulency, 
one  teaspoonful  of  the  compound  spirits  of  lavender  forms  a  valuable 
addition  to  the  dose  of  the  infusion,  which  is  from  two  to  four  fluid 
ounces.  The  cold  infusion  or  extract  makes  a  valuable  tonic.  The 
leaves,  in  poultice,  are  an  excellent  local  application  in  severe  pain  or 
swelling  of  the  bowels,  etc.  Bees  are  said  to  dislike  this  plant  very 
much,  and  a  handful  of  the  flower-heads  carried  where  they  are  \Till 
cause  them  to  keep  at  a  distance. 

FIGWORT   (ScROPHULARiA  Nodosa). 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  leaves  and  root. 

Description. — Figwort  has  a  perennial,  whitish,  and  fibrous  root,  with 
a  leafy,  erect,  smooth  stem  from  two  to  four  feet  high.  The  leaves 
are  opposite,  ovate ;  the  upper  lanceolate,  acute,  of  deep  green  color, 
and  from  three  to  seven  inches  in  length.  The  flowers  are  small,  and 
dark  purple  in  color.     The  fruit  is  an  ovate-oblon-g  capsule. 

History. — This  plant  is  a  native  of  Europe,  but  is  found  growing  in 
different  parts  of  the  United  States,  in  woods,  hedges,  damp  copses, 
and  banks,  blossoming  from  July  to  October.  The  plants  known  by 
the  names  of  Carpenter'" s  Square.,  Heal  All,  Square  Stalk,  etc.  {8.  Mari- 


90  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

landica  and  S.  Lanceolata),  are  all  mere  vaiieties  of  Figiport,  possess- 
ing similar  medicinal  properties.  The  leaves  and  root  are  the  officinal 
parts,  and  yield  their  virtues  to  water  or  alcohol.  The  leaves  have 
an  offensive  odor,  and  a  bitter,  unpleasant  taste  ;  the  root  is  shghtly 
acrid. 

Projyerties  and  Uses. — It  is  alterative,  diuretic,  and  anodyne ;  highly 
beneficial  in  hepatic  or  liver  diseases,  dropsy,  and  as  a  general  deob- 
Btruent  to  the  glandvilar  system  when  used  in  infusion  or  syrup.  Ex- 
ternally, in  the  form  of  fomentation  or  ointment,  it  is  valuable  in 
bruises,  inflammation  of  the  mammae,  ringworm,  piles,  painful  swell- 
ings, itch,  and  cutaneous  eruptions  of  a  vesicular  character.  The  root, 
in  decoction  and  drunk  freely,  will  restore  the  lochial  discharge  when 
suppressed,  and  relieve  the  pains  attending  difficult  menstruation.  This 
plant  possesses  many  valuable  and  active  mediciaal  properties. 

Dose. — Of  the  iofusion  or  syrup,  from  a  wineglassful  to  a  teacupfuL 

riEEWEED  (Erecthites  Hieractifolius). 

MEDicrNAL  Parts.     The  root  and  Tierl. 

Descriiition. — This  plant  has  an  annual,  herbaceous,  thick,  fleshy, 
branching,  and  roughish  stem,  from  one  to  five  feet  high.  The  leaves 
are  simple,  alternate,  large,  lanceolate  or  oblong,  acute,  deeply  dentate, 
BessUe,  and  light  green.  The  flowers  are  whitish,  and  the  fniit  an 
achenium,  oblong  and  hairy. 

Hist/yiy. — This  indigenous  rank  weed  grows  in  fields  throughout  the 
United  States,  in  moist  woods,  in  recent  clearings,  and  is  especially 
abundant  in  such  as  have  been  burned  over.  It  flowers  from  July  to 
October,  and  somewhat  resembles  the  Sowthistle.  The  whole  plant 
yields  its  virtues  to  water  or  alcohol.  It  has  a  peculiar,  aromatic,  and 
somewhat  fetid  odor,  and  a  slightly  pungent,  bitter,  and  disagreeable 
taste. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  emetic,  cathartic,  tonic,  astringent,  and 
alterative.  The  latter  three  qualities  are  the  most  valuable.  It  is  an 
unrivalled  medicine  in  diseases  of  the  mucous  tissues.  The  spirituous 
extract  which  I  use  in  my  practice  is  most  excellent,  in  cholera  and 
dysentery,  promptly  arresting  the  discharges,  relieving  the  pain,  and 
effecting  a  speedy  cure.  It  is  invariably  successful  in  summer  com- 
plaints of  children,  even  in  cases  where  other  means  have  failed. 

FROST-WEED  (HEiiiANTiiEMtm  Canadense). 

Common  Names.     Rock  Rose,  Frost  Plant,  etc. 

Medjcfnal  Part.     The  Jierb. 

Description. — Rock  Roso  is  a  pereunial  herb,  with  a  simple,  ascending 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


91 


downy  stem,  about  a  foot  high.     The  leaves  are  alternate,  from  eight  to 

twelve  inches  long,   about   one-fourth   as  wide; 

oblong,  acute,  lanceolate,  erect,  and  entire.     The 

flowers  are   large  and  bright  yellow,  some  with 

petals,    and   some  without   petals.     The   flowers 

open  ia  sunshine  and  cast  their  petals  next  day. 

History. — It  is  indigenous  to  aU  parts  of  the 
United  States,  growing  in  dry,  sandy>  soils,  and 
blossoming  from  May  to  July.  The  leaves  and 
stems  are  covered  with  a  white  down,  hence  its 
name.  The  whole  plant  is  officinal,  having  a  bit- 
terish, astringent,  slightly  aromatic  taste,  and 
yields  its  properties  to  hot  water.  Prof.  Eaton, 
in  his  work  on  botany,  records  this  curious  fact  of 
the  plant :  "In  November  and  December  of  181(i 
I  saw  hundreds  of  these  plants  sending  out  broad, 
thin,  curved  ice  crystals,  about  an  inch  in  breadth 
from  near  the  roots.  These  were  melted  away  by 
day,  and  renewed  every  morning  for  more  than 
twenty-five  days  in  succession." 

Fro-perties  and  Uses. — This  plant  has  long  been 
used  as  a  valuable  remedy  for  scrofula,  in  which  disease  it  performs  some 
astonishing  cures.  It  is  used  in  f  onn  of  decoction,  syrup,  or  fluid  extract, 
but  had  better  be  used  in  combination  with  other  remedies.  In  combi- 
nation with  CorydaUs  Formosa  and  StUUngla  it  forms  a  most  valuable  re- 
medy. It  is  tonic  and  astringent,  as  well  as  antiscrof  ulcus.  It  can  be  used 
with  advantage  in  dian-hcea,  as  a  gargle  in  scarlatina  and  aphthous  ulcer- 
ations, and  as  a  wash  in  scrofulous  ophthalmia.  Externally,  a  poultice  of 
the  leaves  is  applied  to  scrofulous  tumors  and  ulcers.  An  oil  has  been 
procured  from  the  plant  which  is  said  to  be  highly  valuable  in  cancerous 
affections. 

The  Helianihemuvi  Corynibosum.,  or  Frost-weed,  growing  in  the  pine 
barrens  and  sterile  lands  of  the  Southern  and  Jliddle  States,  possesses 
similar  quahties,  and  may  be  employed  if  the  former  frost-weed  is  not 
to  be  had.  This  excellent  alterative  is  a  constituent  of  that  happy  com- 
bination of  alteratives  composing  my  "Blood  Purifier,"  see  page  469. 

FUMITORY  (FuMARiA  Officinalis). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  leaves. 

Description.  — Fumitory  is  an  annual,  glaucous  plant,  with  a  sub-erect, 
much  branched,  spreading,  leafy  and  angular  stem,  growing  from  ten  to 
fifteen  inches  high.  The  leaves  are  mostly  alternate.  Culpepper,  who 
knew  the  plant  which  is  now  used,  better  than  anybody  else,  said  that 
"  at  the  top  of  the  branches  stand  many  small  flowers,  as  it  were  in  a  long 


92  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

spike  oue  above  another,  made  like  little  birds,  of  a  reddish  puiple 
color,  with  whitish  bellies,  after  which  come  small  round  husks,  contain- 
ing small  black  seeds.  The  root  is  small,  yellow,  and  not  very  long,  and 
full  of  juice  when  it  is  young."  The  fruit,  or  nut,  is  ovoid  or  globose, 
one-seeded  or  valveless.     The  seeds  are  crestless. 

History.  — Fumitory  is  found  growing  in  cultivated  soils  in  Europe 
and  America,  and  flowers  in  May,  June,  and  July.  The  leaves  are  the 
parts  used.  Culpepper  recomm#nded  the  whole  plant,  but  the  modem 
decision  is  to  use  the  leaves,  gathered  at  the  proper  times,  alone.  They 
have  no  odor,  but  taste  bitter  under  all  circumstances.  They  are  to  be 
used  when  fresh,  and  possess  the  same  qualities  as  Culpepper  affixes  to 
the  fresh  root,  viz.  :  malate  of  lime  and  bitter  extractive  princiijles. 

Projyerties  and  Uses.  — Its  virtues  are  chiefly  tonic,  and  those  who  suf- 
fer from  diseases  of  the  stomach  know  too  well  that  a  tonic,  if  properly 
defined,  is,  simple  as  it  may  be,  one  of  the  most  important  remedies 
for  human  ailments  nature  has  provided.  Its  chief  value  is  found 
in  its  action  upon  the  liver.  It  is  used,  in  combination,  with  excel- 
lent effect  in  cutaneous  diseases,  liver  complaints,  such  as  jaundice, 
costiveness,  scui-vj',  and  in  debility  of  the  stomach.  An  infusion  of  the 
leaves  is  usually  given  in  a  \vineglass  (full)  every  four  hours.  The  flow- 
ers and  tops  have  been  applied,  macerated  in  wine,  to  dyspepsid*  with 
partial  good  effect. 

GAMBIR  PLANT  (Uncaria  Gambir). 

Medicinal  Part.     EHrnct  of  the  leaves  and  young  slioofs. 

Description. — Gambir  is  a  stout  climbing  shrub  with  round  branches. 
Leaves  ovate,  lanceolate,  acute,  smooth,  and  have  short  petioles.  Flow- 
ers in  loose  heads,  green  and  pink ;  calyx  short,  corolla  funnel-shaped ; 
Btamens  five,  and  the  fruit  a  two-ceUed  capsule. 

History. — It  is  an  inhabitant  of  the  East  Indian  Archipelago,  where  it 
is  extensively  cultivated.  On  the  island  of  Bingtang  alone  there  are 
GO, 000  Gambir  plantations.  It  affords  what  is  known  as  pale  catechu. 
It  is  chiefly  imported  from  Singapore.  It  is  found  in  cubes  which  float 
on  water,  externally  brown,  internally  pale  brick  red,  breaking  easily. 
Taste  bitter,  very  astiingent,  and  mucilaginous.  Boiling  water  almost 
completely  dissolves  it.     It  is  used  in  the  arts  for  tanning. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  employed  as  an  astringent.  In  various 
affections  of  the  mouth  it  is  an  efficacious  astringent.  It  is  also  excel- 
lent as  a  stomachic  in  dyspeptic  complaints,  especially  when  accom- 
panied with  pyrosis.  It  should  be  used  just  before  taking  food.  It  is 
an  excellent  astringent  in  chronic  diarrhoea  and  dysentery. 

Dose. — From  ten  to  forty  graina 


THE  completp:  herbalist. 


93 


GELSEMIN  (Gelsemintjm  Sempervirens), 

Common  Names.      Tellmo  Jessamine,  Woodbine,  Wild  Jessamine. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — This  plant  has  a  twining,  smooth,  glabrous  stem,  with 
opposite,  perennial,  lanceolate,  entire  leaves,  which  are  dark  green 
above  and  pale  beneath.  The  flowers  are  yellow,  and  have  an  agreeable 
odor.  Calyx  is  very  small,  with  five  sepals,  corolla  funnel-shaped,  sta- 
mens five,  pistils  two,  and  the  fniit  a  two-celled  capsule. 

History. — Yellow  jessamine  abounds  throughout  the  Southern  States, 
growing  luxuriantly,  and  climbing  from  tree  to  tree,  forming  an  agree- 
able shade.  It  is  cultivated  as  an  ornamental  vine,  and  flowers  from 
March  to  May.  The  root  yields  its  virtues  to  water  and  alcohol.  GeUe- 
min  is  its  active  principle.  It  also  contains  a  fixed  oil,  acrid  resin,  yel- 
low coloring  matter,  a  heavj'  volatile  oil,  a  crystalline  substance,  and 
salts  of  potassa,  lime,  magnesia,  ii'on,  and  silica. 

Pro-perties  and  Uses. — It  is  an  uniivalled  febrifuge,  possessing  relaxing 
and  antispasmodic  properties.  It  is  efficacioxis  in  nervous  and  bilious 
headache,  colds,  pneumonia,  hemorrhages,  leucorrhoea,  ague-cake,  but 
especially  in  all  kinds  of  fevers,  quieting  all  nei-vous  irritability  and 
excitement,  equalizing  the  circulation,  promoting  perspiration,  and  rec- 
tifj-ing  the  various  secretions,  without  causing  nausea,  vomiting,  and 
purging,  and  is  adapted  to  any  stage  of  the  disease.  It  may  follow  any 
preceding  treatment  with  safety.  Its  efl:"ects  are  clouded  vision,  double- 
sightedness,  or  even  complete  prostration,  and  inability  to  open  the 
eyes.  These,  however,  pass  completely  off  in  a  few  hours,  leaving  the 
patient  refreshed,  and  completely  restored.  When  the  effects  are  in- 
duced no  more  of  the  remedy 
is  required.  It  is  also  of  great 
service  in  various  cardiac  dis- 
eases, spermatorrhoea,  and  other 
genital  diseases ;  but  its  use 
should  be  confined  entii-ely  to 
the  advice  of  the  physician. 

Dose. — The  tincture  is  the 
fonn  in  which  it  is  employed. 
The  dose  is  from  ten  to  fifty 
drops  in  a  wineglass  half  full 
of  water  ;  to  be  repeated  every 
two  hours,  as  long  as  required. 

GENTIAN  (Gentiana  Lutea). 

Gentian. 

Medicinal  Part.    The  root. 

Description. — This  plant  has  a  long,  thick,  cylindrical,  wrinkled, 
ringed,   forked,   perennial  root,   browoi  externally,  and  yellow  within, 


94  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST, 

with  a  Btem  three  or  four  feet  high,  hollow,  stout,  and  erect ;  leaves 
ovate-oblong,  five-veined,  pale,  bright  green  ;  the  blossoms  are  large,  of 
a  bright  yellow,  in  many-flowered  whorls ;  and  the  fruit  is  a  capsule, 
stalked,  oblong,  and  two-valved. 

History. — This  plant  is  common  in  Central  and  Southern  Europe,  es- 
pecially on  the  Pyrenees  and  Alps,  being  found  from  3,000  to  5,000  feet 
above  the  level  of  the  sea.  The  root  affords  the  medicinal  portion,  and 
is  brought  to  America  chiefly  from  Havre  and  Marseilles.  It  has  a 
feeble  aromatic  odor,  and  a  taste  at  first  faintly  sweetish,  and  then 
purely,  intensely,  and  penuanently  bitter.  It  imparts  its  virtues  readily 
to  cold  or  hot  water,  alcohol,  wine,  spirits,  or  suljjhuric  ether. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Is  a  powerful  tonic,  improves  the  appetite, 
strengthens  digestion,  gives  force  to  the  circulation,  and  slightly  elevates 
the  heat  of  the  body.  Very  useful  in  debility,  exhaustion,  dyspepsia, 
gout,  amenorrhoea,  hysteria,  scrofula,  intermittentSj  worms,  and  di- 
arrhoea. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  ten  to  thirty  grains  ;  of  the  extract,  one  to  ten 
grains ;  of  the  infusion,  a  tablespoonf ul  to  a  wineglassful ;  of  the  tinc- 
ture, one  or  two  teaspoonfuls. 

Uncrystallized  gentianin  is  a  most  valuable  substitute  for  quinia, 
acting  as  readily  and  efficaciously  on  the  spleen,  in  doses  of  from  ^fteen 
to  thirty  grains,  twice  a  day. 

Gentiana  Catesbei,  or  the  Blue,  or  American  Gentian,  has  a 
perennial,  branching,  somewhat  fleshy  root,  with  a  simple,  erect,  rough 
stem,  eight  or  ten  inches  in  height,  and  bears  large  blue  flowers.  It 
grows  in  the  grassy  swamps  and  meadows  of  North  and  South  Carolina, 
blossoming  from  September  to  December.  The  root  is  little  inferior  to 
the  foreign  gentian,  and  may  be  used  as  a  suljstitute  for  it  in  all  cases, 
in  the  same  doses  and  preparations. 

Gentiana  Quinqueflora,  or  Five -flower eel  Gentian,  sometimes 
called  Gall-weed,  on  account  of  its  intense  bitterness,  is  very  useful  in 
headache,  hver  complaint,  jaundice,  etc.  The  plant  is  found  from 
Vermont  to  Pennsylvania,  and  a  variety  of  it  is  common  throughout 
the  Western  States.  It  grows  in  woods  and  pastures,  and  flowers  in 
September  and  October.  It  may  be  regarded  as  a  valuable  tonic  and 
cholagogue,  and  deserves  further  investigation  of  its  therapeutic  pro- 
perties. 

There  is  another  kind  of  gentian  {Gentiana  Ocliroleuca),  known  by 
the  names  of  Marsh  Gentian,  Yellowish-white  Gentian,  Straw-colored 
Gentian,  and  Sampson  Snake-weed.  It  has  a  stout,  smoothish,  ascend- 
ing stem,  one  or  two  inches  in  height,  its  leaves  two  to  foiu"  inches  long, 
and  three-fourths  to  an  inch  and  a  half  in  width,  ■with  straw-colored 
flowers  two  inches  long  by  three-quarters  thick,  disposed  m  a  dense, 
terminal  cyme,  and  often  in  axillaiy  cymes.     It  is  found  in  Canada 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  95 

and  the  Southern  and  Western  States,  though  rarely  in  the  latter,  bloa- 
Bomhig  in  September  and  October  ;  the  root  is  the  officinal  part,  although 
the  tojDS  are  often  employed.  They  are  bitter,  tonic,  anthelmiatic,  and 
astringent.  Used  in  dyspepsia,  intermittents,  dysentery,  and  all  diseases 
of  periodicity. 

To  two  ounces  of  the  tops  and  roots  pour  on  a  pint  and  a  half  of  bod- 
ing water,  and  when  nearly  cold  add  a  half -pint  of  brandy.  Dose,  from 
one  to  three  tablespoonfuls  every  half -hour,  gradually  uicreasiug  as  the 
stomach  can  bear  it,  lengthening  the  intervals  between  the  doses.  It  is 
also  used  for  bites  of  snakes,  etc. 

GILLENIA  (GiLLENiA  Tripoliata). 

Common  Name.     Indian  Physic. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  bark  of  the  root. 

Description. — Gdlenia  is  an  indigenous,  perennial  herb,  with  an  irre- 
gular, brownish,  somewhat  tuberous  root,  having  many  long,  knotted, 
Btringy  fibres.  The  several  stems  are  from  the  same  root,  about  two  or 
three  feet  high,  erect,  slender,  smooth,  and  of  a  reddish  or  brownish 
color.  The  leaves  are  alternate,  subsessile ;  leaflets  lanceolate,  acumi- 
nate, sharply  dentated ;  flowers  are  white,  with  a  reddish  tinge ;  and 
the  fruit  a  two-valved,  one-celled  capsule.  Seeds  are  oblong,  brown, 
and  bitter. 

History. — This  species  is  found  scattered  over  the  United  States  from 
Canada  to  Florida,  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  Alleghanies,  occurring  in 
open  hilly  woods,  in  light  gravelly  soU.  The  period  of  flowering  is  in 
May,  and  the  fmit  is  matured  in  August.  The  root  yields  its  virtues  to 
boiling  water  and  alcohol. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  emetic,  cathartic,  diaphoretic,  expectorant, 
and  tonic.  It  resembles  ipecac  in  action.  It  is  useful  in  amenorrhoea, 
rheumatism,  dropsy,  costiveness,  dysjjepsia,  worms,  and  intermittent 
fever.     It  may  be  used  in  all  fevers  where  emetics  are  required. 

Dose. — As  an  emetic,  twenty  to  thirty-five  grains  of  the  powder,  as 
often  as  required  ;  as  a  tonic,  two  to  four  grains ;  as  a  diaphoretic,  six 
grains  in  cold  water,  and  repeated  at  intervals  of  two  or  three  hours. 

GOSSYPIUM  HERBACEUM. 

Common  Name.     Cotton. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  inner  iark  of  the  root. 

Description. — Cotton  is  a  biennial  or  triennial  herb,  with  a  fusiform 
root,  with  a  round  pubescent  branching  stem  about  five  feet  high.  The 
leaves  are  hoary,  palmate,  with  five  sub-lanceolate,  rather  acute  lobes  ; 
flowers  are  yellow  ;  calyx  cup-shaped,  petals  five,  deciduous,  with  a 
purple  spot  near  the  base  ;  stigmas,  three  or  five  ;  and  the  fruit  a  three 
or  five-celled  capsule,  with  three  or  five  seeds  involved  in  cotton. 


96  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

History. — It  is  a  native  of  Asia  ;  but  is  cultivated  extensively  in  many 
parts  of  the  world,  and  in  the  Southern  portions  of  America  more  suc- 
cessfully than  anywhere  else.  The  inner  bark  of  the  recent  root  is  the 
part  chiettj'  used  in  medicine.  Its  active  principle,  which  is  that  admin- 
istered by  all  educated  herbal  physicians,  is  called  Gossyjiiin. 

Proj^ertk'H  and  Uses. — The  preparation  Gossypiui  is  most  excellent  for 
diseases  of  the  utero-genital  organs.  In  these  diseases  it  evinces  its  sole 
and  only  virtues,  and  it  ought,  on  every  occasion  where  it  can  be  pro- 
cured in  its  purity,  to  be  used  in  the  stead  of  ergot,  or  smut  rye,  in 
cases  of  difficult  labor.  The  latter  will  produce  uterine  inflammation, 
and  puerperal  fever,  while  gossypiin  will  achieve  the  beneficial  effects 
for  which  ergot  is  usually  administered,  and  leave  the  system  perfectly 
free  from  any  prejudicial  after-results.  The  active  piinciple  of  fresh  cot- 
ton root  forms  a  most  wonderful  uterine  tonic,  ard,  if  correctly  prepared, 
will  be  found  invaluable  in  sterdity,  vaginitis,  whites,  menstrual  irregu- 
larities, gi-een  sickness,  etc.  I  do  not  recommend  the  use  of  the  decoc- 
tion of  the  root  by  inexperienced  persons.  The  seeds  are  said  to  possess 
superior  anti-periodic  properties. 

GLOBE  FLOWER,  (CEPHALANTnus  Occidentalis). 

Common  Names.     Button  Bush.,  Pond  Dogwood,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part. — The  bark.  * 

Description. — This  is  a  handsome  shrub,  growing  from  six  to  twelve 
or  more  feet  high,  with  a  rough  bark  on  the  stem,  but  smooth  on  the 
branches.  The  leaves  are  opposite,  oval,  acuminate,  in  whorls  of  three, 
from  three  to  five  inches  long  by  two  to  three  wide.  The  flowers  are 
white,  and  resemble  those  of  the  sycamore,  and  the  fruit  a  hard  and  dry 
capsule. 

History. — This  plant  is  indigenous,  and  found  in  damp  places,  along 
the  margins  of  rivers,  ponds,  etc.,  flowering  from  Jvme  to  September. 
The  bark  is  very  bitter,  and  yields  its  viiiues  to  water  and  alcohol. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Tonic,  febrifuge,  aperient,  and  diuretic.  It  ia 
used  with  much  success  in  intermittent  and  remittent  fevers.  The  inner 
bark  of  the  root  forms  an  agreeable  bitter,  and  is  employed  in  coughs  and 
gravel.  It  deserves  more  notice  than  it  receives,  for  my  experienco  with 
it  teaches  me  that  it  is  a  valuable  medicinal  plant. 

GOLDEN  SEAL  (Hydrastis  Canadensis). 

Common  Names.  Yellow  Puccoon,  Ground  Iias2^berry,  Turmerie 
lioot,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description.— This  indigenous  plant  has  a  perennial  root  or  rhizome, 
which  is  tortuous,  knotty,  creeping,  internally  of  a  bright  yellow  color, 
with  long  fibres.     The  stem  is  erect,  eimple,  herbaceous,  rounded,  from 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBAUST. 


97 


fax.  to  twelve  inches  high,  bearing  two  unequal  terminal  leaves.  The 
two  leaves  are  alternate,  palmate,  having  from  three  to  five  lobes,  hairy, 
dark-green,  cordate  at  base,  from  four  to  nine  inches  wide  when  full 
grown.  The  flower  is  a  solitary  one,  small,  white  or  rose-colored,  aud 
the  fruit  resembles  a  raspberry,  is  red,  and  consists  of  many  two-seeded 
diupes. 

UlMory.  — Golden  seal  is  found  growing  in  shady  woods,  in  rich  soils, 
and  damp  meadows  in  different  parts  of  the  United  States  and  Canada, 
but  is  more  abimdant  west  of  the  Alleghanies.  It  flowers  in  May  and 
June.  The  root  is  the  officinal  part.  Its  virtues  are  imparted  to  water 
or  alcohol.  The  root  is  of  a  beautiful  yel- 
low color,  and  when  fresh  is  juicy,  and  used 
by  the  Indians  to  color  their  clothing,  etc. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  root  is  a  pow- 
erful tonic,  at  the  same  time  exerting  an 
especial  influence  upon  the  mucous  surfaces 
and  tissues,  with  which  it  comes  in  contact. 
Internally,  it  is  successfully  administered  in 
dyspepsia,  chronic  affections  of  the  mucous 
coats  of  the  stomach,  erysipelas  ;  remittent, 
intermittent,  and  typhoid  fevers  ;  toi-por  of 
the  liver,  and  wherever  tonics  are  required. 
In  some  instances  it  proves  laxative,  but 
without  any  astringency,  and  seems  to  rank 
in  therapeutical  action  between  rhubarb  and 
blood-root. 

A  strong  decoction  of  two  parts  of  Golden 
Seal  and  one  part  of  Geranium  or  Cranebill, 
is  very  valuable  in  gleet,  chronic  gonorrhoea, 

and  leucorrhoea,  used  in  injection.  It  is  likewise  of  much  benefit  in  in- 
cipient stricture.,  spennatorrhoia.,  and  inflammation  and  ulceration  of  the 
internal  coat  of  the  bladder.  Ulceration  of  the  internal  coat  of  the 
bladder  may  be  cured  by  the  decoction  of  Golden  Seal  alone.  It  must 
be  injected  into  the  bladder,  and  held  there  as  long  as  the  patient  can 
conveniently  retain  it.  To  be  repeated  three  or  four  times  a  day,  im- 
mediately after  emptying  the  bladder. 

Dose. — Of  the  jiowder,  from  ten  to  thirty  grains ;  of  the  tincture,  from 
one  to  two  fluid  drachms. 


GOLD  THREAD  (Coptis  Trifolia). 

Common  Name.     Mouth-root. 
Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — This  plant  has  a  small,  creeping,  perennial  root,  of  a 
bright  yellow  color ;  the  stems  are  round,  slender,  and  at  the  base  are 


98  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

invested  with  ovate,  acuminate,  yellowisli  scales.  The  leaves  are  ever- 
green, on  long,  slender  petioles ;  leaflets  roundish,  acute  at  base,  small 
and  smooth,  and  veiny  and  sessile.  The  flower  is  a  small  starry  white 
one,  and  the  fruit  an  oblong  capsule,  containing  many  small  black 
seeds. 

History. — Goldthread  is  found  growing  in  dark  swamps  and  sphagnous 
woods  in  the  northern  parts  of  the  United  States,  and  in  Canada, 
Greenland,  Iceland,  and  Siberia.  It  flowers  early  in  the  spring  to  July. 
The  root  is  the  medicinal  part,  and  autumn  is  the  season  for  collect- 
ing it. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  a  pure  and  powerful  bitter  tonic,  some- 
what like  quassia,  gentian,  and  columbo,  without  any  astringency.  It 
may  be  beneficially  used  in  all  cases  where  a  bitter  tonic  is  required,  and 
is  decidedly  efficacious  as  a  wash  or  gargle,  when  a  decoction,  in  various 
ulcerations  of  the  mouth.  In  dyspepsia,  and  in  chronic  inflammation 
of  the  stomach,  equal  parts  of  goldthread  and  golden  seal,  made  into 
a  decoction,  with  elixir  vitriol  added  in  proper  quantity,  will  not  only 
prove  effectual,  but  in  loany  instances  will  permanently  destroy  the 
appetite  for  alcoholic  beverages. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder  or  tincture,  from  half  a  drachm  to  a  drachm ; 
of  the  decoction,  the  dose  is  from  one  wineglassfid  to  a  teacupful.  The 
tincture,  made  by  adding  an  ounce  of  the  powdered  root  to  a  pint  of 
diluted  alcohol,  is  preferable  to  the  powder.  The  dose  is  from  twenty 
drops  to  a  teaspoonful,  three  times  a  day. 

GUAIAC  (GuAiACTJM  Officinale). 

Common  Name.    Ligmim  Vitce. 

JIedicinal  Parts.     The  wood  and  resin. 

Beseription. — This  is  a  tree  of  slow  growth,  attaining  a  height  of  from 
thirty  to  forty  feet ;  stem  commonly  crooked  ;  bark  fun-owed  ;  wood 
veiy  hard,  heavy,  the  fibres  crossing  each  other  diagonally.  Leaves 
bijugate  ;  leaflets  obovate  or  oval,  obtuse,  and  evergreen.  Flowers  light 
blue,  and  the  fruit  an  obcordate  capsule. 

History. —This  tree  is  an  inhabitant  of  the  West  Indian  Islands,  and 
on  the  neighboring  part  of  the  continent.  The  wood  is  used  by  turners 
for  making  block-sheaves,  pestles,  etc. ,  and  is  very  hard  and  dm-able. 
Both  the  wood  and  resin  are  used  in  medicine.  Alcohol  is  the  best 
solvent. 

Properties  and  Uses.— The  wood  or  resin,  taken  internally,  commonly 
excites  a  warmth  in  the  stomach,  a  dryness  of  mouth,  or  thirst.  It  is 
an  acrid  stimulant,  and  increases  the  heat  of  the  body  and  accelerates 
the  circulation.  If  the  body  bo  kept  warm  while  iising  the  decoction,  it 
is  diaphoretic  ;  if  cool,  it  is  diuretic. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  99 

It  is  used  in  chronic  rheumatism,  cutaneous  diseases,  scrofula,  and 
Byphilitic  diseases. 

Dose. — Decoction  of  the  wood,  two  to  four  ounces  ;  of  powdered  resin. 
five  to  twenty  grains ;  tincture,  one  to  four  fluid  drachms. 

HAZEL  (Witch)  (Hama^ielis  Virginica). 

Common  Names.      Winterbloom,  Snajrping-liazelnut^  Spotted  Alder. 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  bark  and  leaves. 

Description. — This  indigenous  shrub  consists  of  several  crooked, 
branching  stems,  from  the  same  root,  from  four  to  six  inches  in  diame- 
ter and  ten  to  twelve  feet  high,  covered  with  a  smooth  gray  bark.  The 
leaves  are  on  short  petioles,  alternate,  oval  or  obovate  ;  flowers  yeUow ; 
calyx  small,  petals  four,  and  the  fruit  a  nut-like  capsule  or  pod. 

Histoi'y.  — It  grows  in  damp  woods,  in  nearly  all  parts  of  the  United 
States,  flowering  from  September  to  November,  when  the  leaves  are 
falling,  and  maturing  its  seeds  the  next  summer.  The  barks  and  leaves 
are  the  parts  used  in  medicine.  They  possess  a  degree  of  fragrance, 
and  when  chewed  are  at  first  somewhat  bitter,  very  sensibly  astringent, 
and  then  leave  a  pungent  sweetish  taste,  which  remains  for  a  considera- 
ble time.  Water  extracts  their  virtues.  The  shoots  are  used  as  divining 
rods  to  discover  water  and  metals  ixnder  ground  by  certain  adepts  in 
the  occult  arts. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  tonic,  astringent,  and  sedative.  A  decoc- 
tion of  the  bark  is  very  useful  in  hemoptysis,  hematemesis,  and 
other  hemorrhages  or  bleedings,  as  well  as  in  diarrhoea,  dysenteiy, 
and  excessive  mucous  discharges.  It  is  employed  ^vith  great  advantage 
in  incipient  phthisis  or  consumption,  in  which  it  is  supposed  to  unite 
anodyne  influences  with  its  others. 

The  Indians  use  it  in  the  form  of  poultice,  in  external  inflammations, 
swellings,  and  all  tumors  of  a  painful  character. 

The  decoction  may  be  advantageously  used  as  a  wash  or  injection 
for  sore  mouth,  painful  tumors,  external  inflammations,  bowel  com- 
plaints, prolapsus  ani  and  uteri,  leucorrhoea,  gleet,  and  ophthalmia. 

An  Ointment  made  with  lard,  and  a  decoction  of  white-oak  bark, 
apple-tree  bark,  and  witch-hazel,  is  a  very  valuable  remedy  for  hemor- 
rhoids or  piles. 

The  following  forms  a  useful  preparation  :  Take  equal  parts  of  witch- 
hazel  bark,  golden  seal,  and  lobelia  leaves,  the  two  first  made  into  a 
strong  decoction,  after  which  add  the  lobelia  to  the  hot  liquid,  and 
cover  ;  when  cold,  strain.  This  decoction,  as  a  collyrium,  will  fre- 
quently and  speedily  cure  the  most  obstinate  and  long-standing  cases  of 
ophthalmia. 

Dose  of  the  witch-hazel  decoction  alone,  from  a  wineglassful  to  a  tea- 
cupful,  three  or  four  times  a  day. 


100 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


HELLEBORE  (American)  (Veratrum  Yiride). 

Common  Names.     Swamp  Hdlebore.,  Indian  Poke,  Itch-weed. 
Medicinal  Part.     The  rhizome. 

Description. — This  plant  has  a  perennial,  thick,  and  fleshy  rhizome, 
tunicated  at  the  upper  part,  sending  off  a  multitude  of  large  whitish 
roots.  The  stem  is  from  three  to  five  feet  high  ;  lower  leaves  from  six 
inches  to  a  foot  long,  oval,  acuminate  ;  upper  leaves 
gradually  narrower,  linear,  lanceolate,  and  all  alter- 
nate. The  flowers  are  numerous  and  green,  part 
of  them  barren. 

Ilistoi'y. — American  Hellebore  is  native  to  the 
United  States,  growing  in  swamps,  low  grounds, 
and  moist  meadows,  blossoming  in  June  and  July. 
The  roots  should  be  gathered  in  autumn,  and  as  it 
rapidly  loses  its  virtues,  it  should  be  gathered  an- 
nually and  kept  in  well-closed  vessels.  When 
fresh,  it  has  a  very  strong,  unpleasant  odor,  but 
when  dried  is  inodorous.  It  has  a  sweetish-bitter 
taste,  succeeded  by  a  persistent  acridity. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  has  many  very'^ valua- 
ble properties.  It  is  slightly  acrid,  confiniug  this 
action  to  the  mouth  and  fauces.  It  is  unsurpassed 
by  any  article  as  an  expectorant.  As  a  diaphoretic, 
it  is  one  of  the  most  certain  of  the  whole  materia 
medica,  often  exciting  great  coolness  and  coldness 
of  the  surface.  In  suitable  doses  it  can  be  relied 
upon  to  bring  the  pulse  down  from  a  hundred  and 
fifty  beats  in  a  minute  to  forty,  or  even  to  thirty. 
Sometimes  it  renders  the  skin  merely  soft  and  moist,  and  at  others 
produces  free  and  abundant  perspiration.  In  fevers,  in  some  diseases 
of  the  heart,  acute  rheumatism,  and  in  many  other  conditions  which  in- 
volve an  excited  state  of  the  circulation,  it  is  of  exceeding  great  value. 
As  a  deobstruent  or  alterative,  it  far  surpasses  iodine,  and  therefore 
used  with  great  advantage  in  the  treatment  of  cancer,  scrofula,  and  con- 
sumption. It  is  nervine,  and  never  narcotic,  which  property  renders 
it  of  great  value  in  all  painfid  diseases,  or  such  as  are  accompanied 
with  spasmodic  action,  convulsions,  morbid  irritability  and  irritative 
mobility,  as  in  chorea,  epilepsy  or  fits,  pneumonia,  puerperal  fever, 
neuralgia,  etc.,  producing  these  effects  without  stupefying  and  torpify- 
ing  the  system,  as  opium  is  known  to  do.  As  an  emetic,  it  is  slow,  but 
certain  and  efficient,  rousing  the  liver  to  action,  and  vomits  without 
occasioning  prostration  or  exhaustion  like  other  emetics,  being  the 
more  valuable  in  not  being  cathartic.     It  is  peculiarly  adapted  as  an 


THE    COMPLETE    nERBALIST. 


101 


emetic  in  whooping-cough,  croup,  asthma,  scarlet  fever,  and  in  all  cases 
where  there  is  much  febrile  or  inflammatory  action.  As  an  arterial 
sedative  it  stands  unparalleled  and  unequalled,  while  in  small  doses  it 
creates  and  promotes  appetite  beyond  any  agent  known  to  medical  men. 
It  has  recently  come  into  use,  and  may  be  justly  regarded  as  one  of 
the  most  valuable  contributions  to  the  Hst.  of  medicines  in  a  himdred 
years. 

Dose. — Veratrum  is  usually  given  in  the  form  of  a  tincture,  the  for- 
mula being  of  the  dried  root,  eight  ounces  to  sixteen  oiinces  diluted 
.835  alcohol,  macerating  for  two  weeks,  then  to  be  expressed  and  fil- 
tered. To  an  adult  eight  drops  are  given,  which  should  be  repealed 
every  three  hoTirs,  increasing  the  dose  one  or  two  drops  every  time 
nntU  nausea  or  vomiting,  or  rediiction  of  the  pulse  to  sixty-five  or  sev- 
enty, ensue,  then  reduce  to  one-half  in  all  cases.  Females  and  persons 
from  fourteen  to  eighteen  should  commence  with  six  drops  and  increase 
as  above.  For  children,  from  two  to  five  years,  begin  with  two  drops, 
and  increase  one  drop  only.  Below  two  years  of  age,  one  drop  is  suf- 
ficient. If  taken  in  so  large  a  dose  as 
to  produce  vomiting  or  too  much  de- 
pression, a  full  dose  of  morphine  or 
opium,  in  a  little  brandy  or  ginger,  is 
a  complete  antidote.  In  pneumonia, 
typhoid  fever,  and  many  other  diseases, 
it  must  be  continued  from  three  to 
seven  days  after  the  symptoms  have 
subsided.  In  typhoid  fever,  while 
using  the  veratrum,  quinia  is  absolutely 
inadmissible.  It  is  administered  in  a 
little  sweetened  water,  and  its  employ- 
ment in  moderate  doses,  or  short  of 
nausea,  may  be  continued  indefinitely 
without  the  least  inconvenience. 

The  Helleborus  Niger,  Black  Hel- 
lebore., inhabiting  the  subalpine  and 
southern  parts  of  Europe,  was  formerly 
much  used  in  palsy,  insanity,  apoplexy, 
dropsy,  epilepsy,  etc. ,  but  is  now  more 
or  less  discarded.  It  has  diuretic  and  emmenagogue  properties,  but 
as  it  is  very  toxical  in  effects,  its  use  is  not  to  be  advised  in  domestic 
practice. 

HENBANE  (Hyoscyamus  Niger). 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  leaves  and  seeds. 

Descriptimi. — Henbane  is  a  biennial  plant.     It  has  a  long,  thick,  spin- 
dle-shaped, corrugated  root,  which  is  of  a  brown  color  externally,  but 


HeUeboniB  Niger. 


102  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

whitish  internally.  The  stem  sometimes  reaches  the  height  of  two 
feet,  but  often  stops  at  an  altitude  of  six  inches.  The  leaves  are  large, 
oblong,  acute,  alternate,  and  of  a  pale,  dull  green  color.  They  have 
long,  glandular  hairs  upon  the  midrib.  The  flowers  are  funnel-shaped, 
of  a  dull  yellow  color,  with  puri^le  veins  and  orifice.  The  seeds  are 
many,  small,  obovate,  and  brownish. 

History. — Henbane  is  original  with  Europe,  but  has  been  naturalized 
in  America.  It  grows  in  waste  groimds,  and  flowers  from  July  to  Sep- 
tember. The  leaves  and  seeds  are  the  parts  medicinally  used.  The 
leaves  are  collected  in  the  second  year,  when  the  plant  is  in  flower  ;  the 
Beeds  are  gathered  when  perfectly  ripe.  It  grows  more  plentifully  than 
elsewhere  in  America,  in  the  waste  grounds  of  old  settlements,  in  grave- 
yards, and  around  the  foundations  of  ruined  houses.  Bruise  the  recent 
leaves,  and  they  emit  a  strong  narcotic  odor,  like  tobacco.  Dry  them, 
and  they  have  little  smell  or  taste.  Their  virtues  are  completely  ex- 
tracted by  diluted  alcohol.  The  active  principle  of  Henbane  is  called 
Syosciamia.,  but  all  the  recognized  preparations  are  now  known  by  the 
general  name  of  Hyoseyamus. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Henbane  is  a  powerful  narcotic,  but,  unless  im- 
properly and  injudiciously  xised,  it  is  not  "dangerously"  poisonous,  as 
we  learn  from  King.  All  narcotics  are  ' '  dangerously  "  poisonous  if  dan- 
gerously administered.  Nature  grows  wild  her  most  potent  medicinal 
herbs,  and  those  which,  if  used  by  persons  who  understand  them,  are 
curative  of  the  very  worst  afllictions  of  the  human  race,  are  also  de- 
structive to  a  small  extent  if  applied  and  administered  by  parties  who 
have  not  thoroughly  studied  their  properties.  Medicinally  used.  Hen- 
bane is  calmative,  hypnotic,  anodyne,  and  antispasmodic.  It  is  much 
better  than  opium,  as  it  does  not  produce  constipation.  It  is  always 
given,  where  opium  does  not  agree,  with  the  very  best  effects.  I  use  it 
principally  to  cause  sleep,  and  remove  irregular  nervous  action.  Com- 
bined with  other  preparations  mentioned  in  many  parts  of  this  volume, 
it  is  most  excellent  for  gout,  rheumatism,  asthma,  chronic  cough,  neu- 
ralgia, irritations  of  the  urinary  organs,  etc.  The  leaves  make  fine  ex- 
ternal preparations  for  glandular  swellings  or  ixlcers,  etc.  I  instruct  my 
patients  never  to  use  it,  under  any  circumstances,  without  the  advice  of 
a  good  herbal  physician. 

HOARHOUND  (Marrubium  Vulgare). 

Medicinal  Part.     Theherh. 

Description. — This  well-known  herb  has  a  fibrous,  perennial  root  and 
numerous  annual,  bushy  stems,  leaf^-,  and  branching  from  the  bottom 
to  one  or  two  feet  in  height.  The  leaves  are  roundish-ovate,  rough  and 
veiny  above,  woolly  on  the  under  sui-face,  one  or  two  inches  in  diam- 
eter ;  the  flowers  small  and  white. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  103 

Eistorp.—Hoarhoxmd  is  a  native  of  Europe,  but  has  been  naturalized 
in  the  United  States,  where  it  is  very  common.  It  grows  on  dry  sandy 
fields,  waste  gi-ounds,  and  road-sides,  flowering  from  June  to  September, 
The  entire  plant  has  a  white  or  hoary  appearance  ;  the  whole  herb  is 
medicinal,  and  should  be  gathered  before  its  efflorescence.  It  has  a 
peculiar,  rather  agreeable,  vinous,  balsamic  odor,  and  a  very  bitter  aro- 
matic, somewhat  acrid  and  persistent  taste.  Its  virtues  are  imparted  to 
alcohol  or  water. 

Properties  and  Uses. — A  stimulant,  tonic,  expectorant,  and  diuretic. 
It  is  used  in  the  form  of  syrup,  in  coughs,  colds,  chronic  catarrh, 
asthma,  and  all  pulmonary  affections.  The  tcarrn  infusion  will  produce 
perspiration  and  flow  of  urine,  and  is  used  with  great  benefit  in  jaun- 
dice, asthma,  hoarseness,  amenorrhoea,  and  hysteria.  The  cold  infusion  is 
an  excellent  tonic  in  some  forms  of  dyspepsia.  It  Avill  expel  worms  and 
act  as  a  purgative  in  large  doses.  It  enters  into  the  composition  of 
several  syrups  and  candies. 

Dose.  — Of  the  powder,  one  drachm ;  of  the  infusion  or  syrup,  from 
half  to  a  teacupfuL 

HOUND'S  TONGUE  (Cynoglossum  Officinale). 

Medicestal,  Pakts.     The  leaves  and  root. 

Desci'iption. — This  biennial  plant  has  an  erect  stem  one  or  two  feet 
high.  The  leaves  are  hoary,  with  soft  down  on  both  sides,  acute,  lan- 
ceolate, radical  ones  petiolate,  cauline  ones  sessUe,  with  cordate  bases. 
The  flowers  are  in  clusters,  calyx  do\vny,  corolla  reddish  puiple,  and 
fruit  a  depressed  achenium. 

History. — Cynoglossum  Officinale  grows  on  the  road-sides  and  waste 
places  of  both  Europe  and  America.  The  leaves  and  the  root  are  the 
parts  used  in  medicine ;  but  the  j^ref erence  I  give  to  the  root.  This, 
upon  being  gathered,  emits  an  unpleasant  and  somewhat  heavy  odor, 
which  vanishes  when  it  is  dried.  Its  taste  is  bitter  and  mawkish.  The 
fresh  root  is  spoken  of  by  several  herbalists  as  being  better  than  the 
desiccated  or  dried,  but  this  probably  arises  fTom  the  fact  that  the  roots 
they  used  had  not  been  gathered  at  the  proper  time,  dried  in  the  cor- 
rect way,  or  kept  in  a  skilful  manner.  The  dried  root  is  quite  as  active 
as  the  fresh,  if  prepared  by  a  person  who  knows  its  qualities. 

Properties  and  Uses.— It  is  chiefly  valuable  for  coughs,  catarrhs, 
bleeding  from  the  lungs,  and  other  disorganizations  of  the  respiratory 
apparatus.  The  leaves  and  root  are  both  applied,  with  great  benefit, 
as  a  poultice  to  old  ulcers,  scrofulous  tumors,  bums,  goitre,  and  recent 
bruises  and  abrasions.  In  my  several  remedies  the  values  of  many 
of  the  plants  described  at  length  in  these  pages  are  most  thoroughly 
embraced.  The  object  in  giving  such  plants  a  descriptive  space  each 
is  to  enable  the  reader,  iu  extraordinary  emergencies,  to  be  Ais  own 


104  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

physician  until  he  can  get  a  better  one,  and  to  show  him  that  what 
he  treads  on  may,  without  his  knowledge,  contain  the  germs  of  his 
rejuvenation. 

Cynoglosstjm  Morrisoni,  or  Virginin  Mouse-ear^  Begrjars'  Lice, 
Dysentery  Weed,  etc.,  is  an  annual  weed  with  an  erect  hairy,  leafy 
stem,  two  to  four  feet  high.  Leaves  three  to  four  inches  long,  oblong, 
lanceolate  ;  flowers  very  small,  white,  or  pale  blue.  It  grows  in  rocky 
grounds  and  among  rubbish.  The  whole  j^lant  has  an  unpleasant  odor. 
The  root  is  the  medicinal  part.  It  is  very  eiHcacious  in  diarrhoea  and 
dysentery.  The  root  may  be  chewed  or  given  in  powder  or  infusion  ad 
libitum. 

HOPS  (HuMULtrs  Lupulxjs). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  strobiles  or  cones. 

Description. — This  well-known  twining  plant  has  a  perennial  root, 
with  manj'  annual  angular  stems.  The  leaves  are  opposite,  deep  green, 
serrated,  venated,  and  very  rough.  The  flowers  are  numerous  and  of  a 
greenish  color.     Fruit  a  strobile. 

History.  — This  plant  is  found  in  China,  the  Canary  Islands,  all  parts 
of  Europe,  and  in  many  places  in  the  United  States.  It  is  largely  .Culti- 
vated in  England  and  the  United  States  for  its  cones  or  strobiles,  'vfrhich 
are  used  medicinally,  and  in  the  manufacture  of  beer,  ale.  and  porter. 
The  odor  of  hops  is  peculiar  and  somewhat  agi-eeable,  their  taste  slightly 
astringent  and  exceedingly  bitter.  They  yield  their  virtues  to  boiling 
water,  but  a  better  solvent  than  water  is  diluted  alcohol.  Lupulin  is 
the  yellow  powder  procured  by  beating  or  rubbing  the  strobiles,  and 
then  sifting  out  the  grains,  which  form  about  one-seventh  part  of  the 
Hops.  Lupulin  is  in  globose  kidney-shaped  grains,  golden  yellow  and 
somewhat  transparent,  and  preferable  to  the  Hops  itself.  LvpuUtc  is 
the  bitter  principle  of  Hops,  and  is  obtained  by  making  an  aqueous 
solution  of  Lupulin. 

Pnyjicrties  and  Uses. — Hops  are  tonic,  hypnotic,  febrifuge,  antilithic, 
and  anthelmintic.  They  are  principally  used  for  their  sedative  or  hyp- 
notic action — producing  sleep,  removing  restlessne.>^s,  and  abating  pain, 
but  sometimes  failing  to  do  so.  A  piUow  stuffed  with  Hops  is  a  favorite 
way  for  obtaining  sleep.  The  lujmlin  or  its  tincture  is  used  in  delirium 
tremens,  nervous  irritation,  anxiety,  exhaustion,  and  does  not  disorder 
the  stomach,  nor  cause  constipation,  as  with  opium.  It  is  also  useful  in 
after-pains,  to  prevent  chordee,  suppress  venereal  desires,  etc.  Exter- 
nally, in  the  form  of  a  fomentation  alone,  or  combined  with  Boneset  or 
other  bitter  herbs,  it  has  proved  beneficial  in  pneumonia,  pleurisy,  gas- 
tritis, enteritis,  and  as  an  application  to  painful  swellings  and  tumors. 
An  ointment,  made  by  boiling  two  parts  of  Stramonium  leaves  and  one 
of  Hops  in  lard,  is  an  excellent  application  in  salt  rhemn,  ulcers,  and 


THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST.  105 

painful  tumors.     It  is  a  powerful  antaphrodisiac,  composing  the  genital 
organs,  quieting  painful  erections  in  gonorrhoea,  etc. 

Dose. — Fluid  extract,  half  a  drachm  to  a  drachm  ;  solid  extract,  five 
to  twenty  grains ;  tincture  (two  and  a  half  ounces  of  hops  to  one  pint  of 
alcohol),  three  to  six  drachms ;  infusion  (four  drachms  to  one  pint  of 
hot  water),  a  wineglass  to  a  cupful  of  LupiMn.^  the  dose  six  to  ten 
grains ;  tinct.  of  Lupulin  (two  ounces  of  Lupulin  to  one  pint  of  alcohol), 
one  to  two  teaspoonfuls  in  sweetened  water.  Fifteen  to  twenty  grains 
well  rubbed  up  with  white  sugar  in  a  mortar  is  very  efficacious  in  pria- 
pism, chordee,  and  spermatorrhoea. 

HOUSE-LEEK  (Sempervivum  Tectorum). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  leaves. 

Description. — House-leek  has  a  fibrous  root,  with  several  tufts  of  ob- 
long, acute,  extremely  succulent  leaves.  The  stem  from  the  centre  of 
these  tufts  is  about  a  foot  high,  erect,  round,  and  downy  ;  flowers  large, 
pale  rose-colored,  and  scentless.     Offsets  spreading. 

History. — This  perennial  plant  is  a  native  of  Europe,  and  is  so  succu- 
lent that  it  will  grow  on  dry  walls,  roofs  of  houses,  etc.  It  flowers  in 
August.  It  is  much  cultivated  in  some  places.  The  leaves  contain 
super-malate  of  lime. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  fresh  leaves  are  iiseful  as  a  refrigerant 
when  bruised,  and  applied  as  a  poultice  in  erysipelatous  affections,  birrns, 
stings  of  insects,  and  other  inflammatory  conditions  of  the  skin.  The 
leaves,  sliced  in  two,  and  the  inner  surface  applied  to  warts  is  a  positive 
cure  for  them.  It  can  be  used  for  many  skin  diseases.  The  leaves  also 
possess  an  astringent  property,  serviceable  in  many  cases. 

HYSSOP  (Hyssopus  Officinalis). 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  tops  and  leaves. 

Description. — Hyssop  is  a  perennial  herb,  with  square  stems,  woody 
at  the  base,  and  a  foot  or  two  in  height,  with  rod-like  branches.  The 
leaves  are  opposite,  sessile,  linear,  and  lanceolate,  green  on  each  side ; 
flowers,  bluish-purple,  seldom  white  ;  stamens  four. 

HiHtory. — It  is  an  inhabitant  of  Europe  and  this  country,  being  raised 
principally  in  gardens,  and  flowers  in  July.  The  taste  of  the  leaves  is 
hot,  spicy,  and  somewhat  bitter,  and  yield  their  virtues  to  water  and 
alcohol.     They  contain  yellow  oil  and  sulphur. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Stimrdant,  aromatic,  carminative,  and  tonic. 
Generally  used  in  quinsy  and  other  sore-throats,  as  a  gargle  with  sage. 
As  an  expectorant  it  is  beneficial  in  asthma,  coughs,  etc.  The  leaves 
applied  to  bruises  speedily  relieve  the  pain  and  remove  the  discolora- 
tion. 

5* 


106  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

IBERIS   AMAEA, 

Common  Name.     Bitter  Candy  Tuft. 

Mkdicinal  Part.     The  seeds. 

Description. — This  plant  has  a  herbaceous  stem,  about  a  foot  in 
height,  wath  acute,  toothed  leaves,  and  bright  white  flowers. 

Ilintory. — The  leaves,  stem,  root,  and  seeds  are  used  ;  the  seeds  espe- 
cially. The  plant  is  an  annual,  carefully  cultivated  in  Eui-ope,  but 
grows  wild  also.     It  flowers  in  June  and  July. 

PropertieH  and  Uses. — The  ancients  employed  it  in  gout,  rheumatism, 
and  diseases  of  a  kindred  nature.  We  use  it,  compounded  v.'ith  other 
herbal  preparations,  for  such  diseases  in  their  worst  forms,  and  we  also 
use  it  by  itself,  in  certain  proportions,  to  allay  excited  action  of  the 
heart,  particrdarly  where  the  heart  is  enlarged.  In  asthma,  bronchitis, 
and  dropsy  it  is  now  considered  one  of  the  most  excellent  ingredients  of 
certain  cures  for  those  afflictions.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  five  grains  of 
the  powdered  seeds. 

ICELAND  MOSS  (Cetraria  Islandica). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  plant. 

Description  and  History. — Iceland  Moss  is  a  perennial,  foliaceov^s  plant 
from  two  to  four  inches  high ;  a  native  of  Britain  and  the  northern 
countries  of  Europe,  particularly  Iceland.  It  is  diversified  in  its  color, 
being  brownish  or  grajish- white  in  some  parts,  and  of  a  reddish  hue  in 
others.  It  is  ^vithout  odor,  with  a  mucilaginous,  bitter,  somewhat 
astringent  taste,  and  when  dry  the  lichen  is  crisp,  cartilaginous,  and  cori- 
aceous, and  is  convertible  into  a  grayish-white  powder.  It  sweUs  up  m 
water,  absorbing  more  than  its  own  weight  of  that  fluid,  and  communica- 
ting a  portion  of  its  bitterness  to  it,  as  well  as  a  little  mucilage  ;  when 
long  chewed  it  is  converted  into  a  mucUaginous  pulp,  and  when  boiled 
in  water  the  decoction  becomes  a  firm  jelly  on  cooling. 

Projierties  and  Uses. — It  is  demulcent,  tonic,  and  nutritious.  Used 
as  a  demulcent  in  chronic  catarrh,  chronic  dyscnteiy,  and  diarrhoea,  and 
as  a  tonic  in  dyspepsia,  convalescence,  and  exhausting  diseases.  Boiled 
with  milk  it  forms  an  excellent  nutritive  and  tonic  in  phthisis  and  gen- 
eral debility.  Its  tonic  virtues  depend  upon  its  cetrarin^  which,  if  re- 
moved, renders  the  lichen  merely  nutritious. 

IRON  WEED  (Vernonia  Fasciculata). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

De.script'on. — This  is  an  indigenous,  perennial,  coarse,  purplish-greeu 
weed,  with  a  stem  from  three  to  ten  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  from 
four  to  eight  inches  long,  one  or  two  broad,  lanceolate,  tapering  to  each 
end.     Corolla  showy,  and  dark  purple. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  107 

History. — This  is  a  very  common  plant  to  the  Western  States,  growing 
in  woods  and  prairies,  and  along  rivers  and  streams,  flowering  from  Jvdy 
to  September.  The  root  is  bitter,  and  imparts  its  virtues  to  water  and 
alcohol. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  a  bitter  tonic,  deobstruent,  and  alterative. 
In  powder  or  decoction  the  root  is  beneficial  in  amenorrhoea,  dysmenor- 
rhcea,  leucorrhoea,  and  menorrhagia.  It  is  useful  in  scrofula  and  some 
cutaneous  diseases. 

Dose. — Of  the  decoction,  one  or  two  fluid  ounces ;  of  the  tincture,  one 
or  two  fluid  drachms.  The  leaves  or  powdered  root  make  an  excellent 
discutient  application  to  tumors. 

IVY  (American)  (Ampelopsis  Quinqijefolia). 

Common  Names.  Woodbine,  Virginia  Creeper.,  Five  Leaves,  False 
Grape,  Wild  icood-vine. 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  bark  and  twigs. 

Description. — This  is  a  woody  vine,  with  a  creeping  stem,  digitate 
leaves  ;  leaflets  acuminate,  petiolate,  dentate,  and  smooth ;  flowers  in- 
conspicuous, greenish,  or  white  ;  and  the  fruit  a  beriy,  acid,  dark  blue, 
and  small. 

History. — The  Ameiican  Ivy  is  a  common,  familiar,  shrubby  vine, 
climbing  extensively,  and,  by  means  of  its  radiating  tendrils,  supporting 
itself  fii-mly  on  trees,  stone  walls,  churches,  etc.,  and  ascending  to  the 
height  of  from  fifty  to  a  hundred  feet.  The  bark  and  the  twigs  are  the 
parts  usually  used.  Its  taste  is  acrid  and  persistent,  though  not  un- 
pleasant, and  its  decoction  is  mucilaginous.  The  bark  should  be  col- 
lected after  the  berries  have  ripened.  It  is  like  the  ivy  of  England  and 
other  countries. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Alterative,  tonic,  astiingent,  and  expectorant. 
It  is  used  principally  in  form  of  syrup  in  scrofula,  dropsy,  bronchitis, 
and  other  pulmonary  complaints.  An  old  author  affirms  that  there  is  a 
very  great  antipathy  between  wine  and  ivy,  and  therefore  it  is  a  remedy 
to  preserve  against  drunkenness,  and  to  relieve  or  cure  intoxication  by 
drinking  a  draught  of  wine  in  which  a  handful  of  bruised  ivy  leaves 
have  been  boiled. 

Dose. — Of  the  decoction  of  syrup,  from  one  to  four  tablespoonfuls, 
three  times  a  day. 

JALAP  (Ipomcea  Jalapa). 

Medicinal  Part.     Tlieroot. 

Description. — Jalap  has  a  fleshy,  tuberous  root,  with  numerous  round- 
ish tubercles.  It  has  several  stems,  which  are  smooth,  browmish,  slightly 
rough,  with  a  tendency  to  twine.     The  leaves  are  on  long  petioles,  the 


108 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBAXIST. 


Jalap. 


first  hastate,  succeeding  ones  cordate,  acuminate,  and  mucronate.  The 
calyx  has  no  bracts ;  corolla  funnel-shaped, 
purple,  and  long.     Fruit  a  capsule. 

Ilistory. — This  plant  grows  ia  Mexico, 
at  an  elevation  of  nearly  six  thousand  feet 
above  the  level  of  the  sea,  near  Chicanquiaco 
and  Xalapa,  from  which  it  is  exported,  and 
from  which  last-named  place  it  also  receives 
its  name.  It  is  generally  imported  in  bags, 
containing  one  or  two  hundred  pounds.  The 
worm-eaten  root  is  the  most  energetic,  aa 
the  active  part  is  untouched  by  them.  It  ia 
soluble  Lq  water  and  alcohol. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Jalap  is  irritant 
and  cathartic,  operating  energetically,  and 
produces  liquid  stools.  It  is  chietiy  em- 
ployed when  it  is  desired  to  produce  an 
energetic  influence  on  the  bowels,  or  to 
obtain  large  evacuations.  In  intestinal  in- 
flammations it  should  not  be  used. 
Dose. — Powder,  ten  gi-arns. 

JAMESTOWN  WEED  (Datura  Stramonium). 

CoM^ioN  Names.     Thorn-Apple,  Stinkweed,  Apple-pei'u,  etc. 

MEDicmAi.  Parts.     The  leaves  and  seeds. 

Description. — This  plant  is  a  bushy,  smooth,  fetid,  annual  plant,  two 
or  three  feet  in  height,  and  in  rich  soil  even  more.  The  root  is  rather 
large,  of  a  whitish  color,  giving  off  many  fibres.  The  stem  is  much 
branched,  forked,  spreading,  leafy,  of  a  yellowish-green  color.  The 
leaves  are  large  and  smooth,  from  the  forks  of  the  stem,  and  are  uneven 
at  the  base.  The  flowers  are  about  three  inches  long,  erect,  large,  and 
white.  The  fruit  is  a  large,  dry,  prickly  capsule,  with  four  valves  and 
numerous  black  reniform  seeds.  There  is  the  Datura  Tatiila,  or  purple 
Stramonium,  which  differs  from  the  above  in  having  a  deep  purple  stem, 
etc. 

History. — Stramonium  is  a  well-known  poisonous  weed,  growing  upon 
waste  grounds  and  road-sides,  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States.  It  is 
found  in  very  many  parts  of  the  world.  The  whole  plant  has  a  fetid, 
narcotic  odor,  which  diminishes  as  it  dries.  Almost  every  part  of  the 
plant  is  possessed  of  medicinal  properties,  but  the  ofRciaal  parts  are  the 
leaves  and  seeds.  The  leaves  should  be  gathered  when  the  flowers  are 
fxdl-blowTi,  and  carefully  dried  in  the  shade.  They  impart  their  proper- 
ties to  water,  alcohol,  and  the  fixed  oils.  The  seeds  are  small,  reniform, 
compressed,  roughish,  dark  brown  or  black  when  ripe,  grayish-browa 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  109 

when  unripe.  They  yield  what  is  called  Daiuria^  which  may  be  obtained 
by  exhausting  the  bruised  seeds  with  boiling  rectified  alcohol,  and 
then  proceeding  as  for  the  active  principle  of  other  seeds  of  a  similar 
character. 

Proj)erties  and  Uses. — In  large  doses  it  is  an  energetic  narcotic  poison. 
The  victims  of  this  poison  suffer  the  most  intense  agonies,  and  die  in 
maniacal  delirium.  In  medicinal  doses  it  is  an  anodyne,  antispasmodic, 
and  is  often  used  as  a  substitute  for  opium.  It  is  used  with  fair  effect 
in  cases  of  mania,  epilepsy,  gastritis,  delirium  tremens,  and  enteritis ; 
also  in  neuralgia,  rheumatism,  and  all  periodic  pains.  The  dried  and 
smoked  leaves  are  useful  in  spasmodic  asthma,  but  as  there  are  other 
means  much  more  certain  to  cure,  and  less  dangerous,  I,  and  other  her- 
balists, seldom  or  never  recommend  them.  Daturia  is  seldom  employed 
in  medicine,  being  a  very  active  and  powerful  poison.  I  should  advise 
my  readers  never  to  employ  it,  vmless  they  be  physicians  ;  but  I  deemed 
proper  to  give  it  a  place  in  this  work,  as  its  medicinal  qualities  are  quite 
important,  if  its  use  is  intrusted  to  proper  and  educated  persons. 

JUNIPER    (JuNiPERUS  Communis). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  berties. 

DeserijMon. — This  is  a  small  evergreen  shrub,  never  attaining  the 
height  of  a  tree,  with  many  very  close  branches.  The  leaves  are 
attached  to  the  stem  in  threes.  The  fruit  is  fleshy,  of  dark-purplish 
color,  ripening  the  second  year  from  the  flower. 

Hvitory. — Juniper  grows  in  diy  woods  and  hills,  and  flowers  in  May. 
The  American  berries  contain  less  virtue  than  those  imported  from 
Europe.  The  oil  is  contained  in  the  spirituous  liquor  called  Holland 
gin.     The  berries  yield  their  properties  to  hot  water  and  alcohol. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  berries  and  oil  are  stimulating,  carmina- 
tive, and  diuretic.  It  is  especially  useful  in  averting  mucous  discharges, 
especially  from  the  \irethra. 

Dose^ — Of  the  berries,  from  one  to  two  drachms ;  of  the  oil,  from  four 
to  twenty  minims. 

KINO  (Pterocabpus  Marsupium). 

Medicinal  Part.     Concrete  juice. 

JJescription. — Kino  is  a  leafy  tree,  with  the  outer  coat  of  the  bark 
brown,  and  the  inner  red,  fibrous,  and  astringent.  Branches  smooth, 
leaves  alternate  ;  leaflets,  from  five  to  seven,  alternate,  elliptical,  and 
rather  emarginate ;  flowers  very  numerous,  white,  with  a  tinge  of  yel- 
low ;   fruit  a  legume  on  a  long  petiole. 

lliatory. — Kino  is  the  juice  of  the  tree,  obtained  by  making  longitu- 
dinal incisions  in  the  bark.  It  flows  freely,  is  of  a  red  color,  and  by 
drying  it  in  the  sun  it  cracks  into  irregular  angular  masses.     The  frag- 


110  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

ments  are  reddish,  black,  translucent,  and  ruby-red  on  the  edges,  in- 
odorous, and  very  astringent.  "When  chewed  it  tinges  the  saliva  blood- 
red.  Alcohol  dissolves  about  two-thirds  of  it.  It  is  chieliy  imported 
from  Malabar.  It  inhabits  the  Ciicur  mountains  and  forests  of  the 
Malabar  coast. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Employed  in  medicine  as  an  energetic  astrin- 
gent only,  principally  in  obstinate  chronic  diarrhoea.  It  is  also  adminis- 
tered as  an  astilngent  in  leucon'hoea  and  sanguineous  exudations.  As  a 
topical  remedy,  it  is  applied  to  llabby  ulcers,  and  used  as  a  gargle,  in- 
jection, and  wash. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  from  ten  to  thirty  grains. 

KIDNEY  LIYER-LEAF  (Hepatica  Americ.\na). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  plant. 

Description. — This  is  a  perennial  plant,  the  root  of  which  consists  of 
numerous  strong  fibres.  The  leaves  are  all  radical,  on  long,  hairy  pe- 
tioles, smooth,  evergreen,  cordate  at  base,  the  new  ones  appearing  later 
than  the  flowers.  The  flowers  appear  almost  as  soon  as  the  snow  leaves 
the  ground  in  the  spruig.     Fruit  an  ovate  achenium. 

Hepatica  Actjtaloba,  or  Heart  Liver -leaf.,  which  possesses  the^same 
medicinal  qualities,  differs  from  the  above  in  having  the  leaves  with  three 
ovate,  pointed  lobes,  or  sometimeie  five-lobcd.  They  both  bear  white, 
blue,  or  purplish  flowers,  which  api:iear  late  in  March  or  early  in  April. 

History.  — These  plants  are  common  to  the  United  States,  growing  in 
woods  and  upon  elevated  situations — the  former,  which  is  the  most  com- 
mon, being  found  on  sides  of  hills,  exposed  to  the  north,  and  the  latter 
on  the  southern  aspect.     The  plants  yield  their  virtues  to  water. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  a  mild,  mucilaginous  astringent,  and  is 
freely  used  in  infusion,  in  fevers,  di^ases  of  the  liver ;  and  for  bleed- 
ing from  the  lungs,  coughs,  etc.,  it  is  a  most  valuable  curative. 

Dose. — Infusion  taken  ad  libitum. 

KOUSSO  (Brayera  Anthelmintica). 

Medicinal  Tart.     The  leaves. 

Dcscri]iti"n . — This  is  a  tree,  growing  about  twenty  feet  high,  with 
round  rusty  branches.  The  leaves  are  crowded,  alternate ;  leatleta 
oblong,  acute,  and  sen-ate  ;  flowers  small,  gi-eeni.sh,  and  becoming  pur- 
ple ;  the  fruit  so  far  unknown. 

History. — This  tree  gi-ows  upon  the  tabh -lands  of  Northeastern  Abys- 
sinia, at  an  elevation  of  several  thou.sand  feet.  The  flowers  are  the 
parts  u.sed.  They  are  gathered  when  in  full  bloom,  and  are  used  in 
their  fresh  state,  but  are  equally  valuable  when  properly  dried.  After 
drying  th(^y  are  powdered,  and  in  this  forni  they  are  mixed  with  warm 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


Ill 


water  and  administered.  The  value  of  this  medicine  has  been  known 
for  a  long  time,  having  been  introduced  in  the  French  practice  over 
forty  years  ago.  It  is  quite 
difficult  to  procure  even  the 
adulterated  or  spurious  ar- 
ticle in  America  or  England  ; 
the  genuine  is  not  to  be  ob- 
tained at  any  price  in  the 
drug-stores.  In  the  stores, 
however,  can  be  obtained,  at 
great  cost,  an  active  resinous 
principle,  extracted  from  the 
flowers,  and  sometimes  the 
unripe  fruit,  to  which  the 
names  of  Tcerdin  and  Kous- 
»in  have  been  given.  The 
dose  of  this  is  set  down  at 
twenty  grains. 

Pr<yperUes  and  Uses.  — In 
large  doses  it  wUl  produce 
heat  of  the  stomach,  nausea, 
and     sometimes     vomiting,  Kousso. 

and    occasionally    will     act 

powerfully  on  the  bowels ;  but  this  is  only  when  injudiciously  taken. 
Its  chief  property  is  developed  in  the  destruction  and  expulsion  of  worms, 
especially  the  tape-icm'm.  It  is  the  surest  of  all  remedies  for  that  dis- 
tressing affliction,  when  compounded  with  other  ingredients  which  I 
have  mentioned  elsewhere.  Taken  in  the  proper  dose,  it  seems  to  have 
no  general  effect,  but  operates  wholly  and  solely  upon  the  worms.  The 
dose  of  the  jDowdered  flowers  in  infusion  is  half  an  ounce  to  half  a  pint 
of  warm  water.  It  must  be  reduced  for  children.  If  the  medicine  does 
not  operate  in  four  hours,  use  castor-oil.  It  is  one  of  the  ingi-edients  of 
my  Male  Fern  Vermifuge.     (See  page  469.) 

LADIES'  SLIPPER  (Cypripedium  Pubescens). 

Common  Names.  American  Valerian.,  Zfmhcl,  Nerce-root,  Telbto- 
Moccasiii  flower,  Noah\$  Ark. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — This  indigenous  plant  has  a  perennial,  fibrous,  fleshy 
root,  from  which  arise  several  round  leafy  stems,  from  twelve  to  eighteen 
inches  high.  The  leaves  are  from  three  to  six  inches  long,  by  two  or 
three  broad,  oblong,  lanceolate,  acuminate,  pubescent,  alternate,  gene- 
rally the  same  number  on  each  side.  Flowers  large  and  very  showy, 
and  pale  yeUow. 


113  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

History. — This  plant  grows  here  in  rich  woods  and  meadows,  and 
flowers  in  May  and  June.  There  are  several  varieties  of  it,  but  as  they 
all  possess  the  same  medicinal  properties,  a  description  of  each  is  not 
requisite  or  desirable. 

Projxrties  and  Uses. — The  fibrous  roots  are  the  parts  used  in  medi- 
cine, and  they  should  be  gathered  and  carefully  cleansed  in  August  or 
September.  The  properties  and  uses  are  various.  The  preparations 
made  from  these  roots  are  tonic  and  stimulant,  diaphoretic,  and  anti- 
spasmodic, and  are  considered  to  be  unequalled  in  remedying  hysteria, 
chorea,  nervous  headache,  and  all  cases  of  nervous  irritability.  Com- 
bined with  a  certain  foreign  plant  of  a  mucilaginous  character,  and 
gi-owing  near  the  sea-shore,  it  is  an  unfailing  cure  of  fever  and  ague. 
The  preparation  has,  however,  to  be  skilfully  compounded.  Any  one 
afflicted  by  fever  and  ague  may  write  to  me  for  particulars  and  I  will 
gladly  and  promptly  furnish  them.  They  are  also  used  for  delirium, 
neuralgia,  and  hypochondria.  The  form  of  preparation  is  an  alcoholic 
extract. 

Dose. — From  ten  to  twenty  grains  ;  tincture,  from  one  to  three  fluid 
drachms  ;  infusion,  from  one  to  four  fluid  ounces.  When  made  into 
powder,  one  drachm  in  warm  water  is  a  dose,  and  may  be  repeated,  in 
season,  as  often  as  may  be  required. 

LAECH  (Abies  Larix). 

Medicinal  Part.     Besinous  exudation. 

Description. — Larch  is  a  very  lofty  and  graceful  tree,  with  wide- 
spreading  branches.  The  buds  are  alternate,  perennial,  cup-shaped, 
scaly,  producing  annually  a  pencil-like  tuft.  Male  flowers  drooping, 
about  half  an  inch  long,  yellow  ;  female  flowers  erect,  larger  than  the 
male  flowers,  and  variegated  with  green  and  pink ;  cones  erect,  ovate, 
about  an  inch  long,  purple  when  young,  reddish-brown  when  ripe. 

History. — The  Larch  grows  in  the  mountainous  regions  of  Europe, 
and  yields  the  article  of  use  and  commerce  known  as  Venice  turpentine. 
The  bark  contains  a  large  amount  of  tannic  acid. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  medicinal  properties  are  those  known  to  be 
confined  to  turpentine. 

LARGE  FLO^M^RING  SPURGE  (Euphorbia  Corollata). 

Common  Names.  Blooming  Spurge^  Milk-weed,  Bowman''s  Boot, 
etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     T/ie  bark  of  the  root. 

Descrij}tion. — This  is  a  perennial  plant  with  a  round,  slender,  erect 
stem,  one  or  two  feet  high,  with  a  yellowish,  large,  and  branching  root. 
The  leaves  are  scattered,  sessile,  oblong-obovate,  smooth  in  some  plants. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  113 

very  hairy  in  others,  and  from  one  to  two  inches  in  length.  Flowers 
white  and  showy,  and  fruit  a  three-celled  capsule. 

History. — This  plant  grows  plentifully  in  Canada  and  the  United 
States,  in  dry  fields  and  \voods,  and  flowers  from  June  to  September. 
The  bark  of  the  root  is  the  part  used.  The  plant  is  readily  detected  by 
a  milky  fluid  which  exudes  from  the  stem,  when  that  is  broken.  This 
fluid,  if  applied  to  warts  or  wens,  is  of  great  benefit,  in  most  cases  ban- 
ishing the  offensive  excrescences. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  emetic,  diaphoretic,  expectorant,  andepis- 
pastic.  As  an  emetic  the  powdered  bark  of  the  root  (say  from  fifteen  to 
twenty  grains)  is  mild,  pleasant,  and  efficacious. 

Dose.- — As  an  expectorant  it  is  administered  three  grains  at  a  time, 
mixed  with  honey,  molasses,  or  sugar ;  as  a  cathartic,  from  four  to  ten 
grains  are  required.  It  is  regarded,  in  doses  of  fifteen  or  twenty  grains, 
as  one  of  the  very  best  remedies  ever  discovered  for  the  dropsy.  It 
has  cured  hydrothorax  and  ascites  when  aU  other  means  have  failed. 

LARKSPUR  (Delphinum  Consolida). 

MEDiCESfAL  Pakts.     The  root  and  seeds. 

Description.  —Larkspur  is  an  annual  herb,  with  a  simple  slender  root, 
a  leafy  stem,  from  a  foot  and  a  half  to  two  feet  high,  with  alternate 
spreading  branches.  The  leaves  are  sessile  ;  flowers  bright  blue  and 
purple. 

Delphenum  SxAPniSAGRiA,  or  Stavesacre.,  which  possesses  the  same 
properties  as  Larkspur,  but  to  a  greater  degree,  is  an  elegant  upright 
herb,  about  the  same  height  as  Larkspur.  Leaves  broad,  palmate,  and 
petioled.     Flowers  bluish-gray.     Fruit  a  capsule. 

History.  — Larlcspur  is  a  native  of  Europe,  but  has  become  naturalized 
in  the  United  States,  growing  in  woods  and  fields.  Stavesacre  is  native 
to  Europe,  growing  in  waste  places. 

Properties  and  Uses.  — In  medicinal  doses  emetic,  cathartic,  and  nar- 
cotic. It  has  also  vermifuge  properties.  The  whole  plant  contains 
an  acid  principle  which  is  sure  death  to  all  kinds  of  domestic  vermia. 
The  flowers  and  leaves  were  extensively  used  in  the  United  States  army 
during  the  rebeUion,  to  kill  Uce,  and  it  is  pretty  well  authenticated  that 
the  same  substance  forms  the  basis  of  the  many  preparations  offered  for 
the  destruction  of  all  noxious  insects  whose  room  is  better  than  their 
company.  The  flowers  are  emmenagogue,  diuretic,  and  vermifuge. 
A  tincture  of  the  seeds,  it  is  said,  will  cure  asthma  and  dropsy.  Also  a 
specific  for  cholera  morbus. 

Dose.  — Two  ounces  of  the  seed  added  to  one  quart  of  diluted  alcohol 
makes  the  tincture,  of  which  ten  drops  may  be  given  three  times  a  daj. 
This,  however,  should  be  used  only  in  extreme  cases. 


114  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

LAVENDEE  (Lavandula  Vera  anb  Lavandula  SriCA). 

MEDicmAL  Part.     The  flowers. 

Description. — Lavandula  Vera  is  a  small  shrub  from  one  to  two  feet 
high,  but  sometimes  attaining  six  feet.  The  leaves  are  oblong-linear 
or  lanceolate,  entire,  opposite,  and  sessile.  The  flowers  are  of  lilac 
color,  small  and  in  whorls. 

Lavandula  Spica  is  more  dwarfish  and  more  hoary  than  the  last. 
Leaves  oblong-lanceolate.  This  plant  is  not  used  in  medicine,  but  fur- 
nishes the  oil  of  spike.,  much  used  in  the  preparation  of  artistical  var- 
nishes and  by  porcelain  painters. 

//i»to/'2/.— Lavandula  Vera  grows  in  the  dry  soils  of  Southern  Europe, 
and  flowers  in  July  and  August.  It  is  largely  cultivated  in  this  country. 
The  whole  plant  is  aromatic,  but  the  flowers  are  the  parts  used,  and 
should  be  gathered  shortly  after  their  appearance,  and  carefully  dried. 
The  disease  to  which  this  plant  is  subject  can  only  be  prevented  by  not 
allowing  them  to  grow  too  closely  together. 

Froperties  and  Uses. — It  is  a  tonic,  stimulant,  and  carminative,  useful 
mostly  in  diseases  of  the  nervous  system. 

LEVER-WOOD  (Astrya  Virginica).  * 

CoM^iON  Names.     Iron-wood.^  Jlop-liornheam. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  inner  wood. 

Description. — This  small  tree  of  from  twenty-five  to  thirty  feet  in 
height  is  remarkable  for  its  fine,  naiTow,  brownish  bark.  The  wood  ia 
white,  hard,  and  strong ;  leaves  oblong-ovate,  acuminate,  serrate,  and 
Bomewhat  downy.  Flowers,  fertile  and  sterile,  green,  and  appear  with 
the  leaves. 

History. — The  inner  wood  and  bark  are  the  parts  in  which  reside  the 
curative  virtues,  and  the  latter,  which  are  immense,  readily  yield  to 
water.  The  tree  flowers  in  April  and  May,  and  is  common  to  the  Uni- 
ted States.  The  bark  and  wood  should  be  gathered  in  August  or  Sep- 
tember. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Lever-wood  is  anti-periodic,  tonic,  and  altera- 
tive. It  is  very  good  in  cases  of  intermittent  fever,  neuralgia,  nervous 
debihty,  scrofula,  and  dyspepsia.  It  is  sometimes  administered,  with 
fair  success,  as  a  remedy  for  fever  and  ague. 

i^ose.— Decoction,  one  or  two  fluid  ounces,  three  or  four  times  a  day. 

LIFE-ROOT  (Senecio  Aureus). 

Common  Names.  Squaw-weed,  Ragwort,  False  Valerian,  Golden 
Senecio,  and  Female  Regulatm: 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  root  and  herb. 

Description.— Li£e-ioot  has  an  erect,  smoothish  stem,  one  or  two  feet 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  115 

high.  Radical  leaves  are  simple  and  rounded,  mostly  cordate  and 
long  petioled,  lower  cawluie  leaves  lyrate,  upper  ones  few,  dentate  and 
eessile.     Flowers  golden-yeUow. 

History. — The  plant  is  perennial  and  indigenous,  growing  on  low 
marshy  grounds,  and  on  the  banks  of  creeks.  The  northern  and  west- 
em  parts  of  Europe  are  where  it  is  mostly  found,  and  the  flowers  culmi- 
nate in  May  and  June.  The  root  and  herb  are  the  parts  employed  for 
medical  purposes.  There  are  several  varieties  of  this  plant,  but  as  aJl 
possess  the  same  medicinal  properties,  it  is  unnecessary  to  specify  them. 
The  whole  herb  is  used  of  aU  the  varieties. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  diuretic,  pectoral,  diaphoretic,  and  tonic, 
and  exerts  a  very  powerful  and  peculiar  influence  upon  the  reproductive 
organs  of  females.  This  has  given  it  the  name  of  Feumle  Regulator. 
Combined  with  the  Lily,  and  other  native  and  foreign  plants,  it  is  one 
of  the  most  certain  cures  in  the  world  for  aggravated  cases  of  leucor- 
rhcea  ;  also  in  cases  of  menstrual  suppression.  It  will  operate  exceUently 
in  gravel,  and  other  urinary  affections. 

Dose. — Ordinary  decoction,  four  ounces. 

LILT  (Meadow)   (Lilixjm  Candidum). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Bescriiitlon. — The  thick  stem  of  this  plant  is  from  three  to  four  feet 
high,  and  arises  from  a  perennial  bulb  or  root.  Leaves  scattered,  lan- 
ceolate, and  narrowed  at  the  base.  Flowers  are  large,  snow-white,  and 
smooth  inside. 

History. — The  Meadow  LUy  is  an  exotic.  It  is  a  native  of  Syria  and 
Asia  Minor.  The  flowers  are  regarded  as  being  very  beautiful,  but  are 
not  used  for  medical  purposes.  The  plant  is  principally  cultivated  for 
the  flowers.  The  bulb  is  the  part  used  for  its  curative  properties. 
Water  extracts  its  virtues. 

Froperties  and  Uses. — It  is  mucilaginous,  demulcent,  tonic,  and 
astringent.  It  is  chosen  by  some  of  our  best  botanical  practitioners  as  a 
certain  remedy  for  leucorrhoea  and  falling  of  the  womb,  and  for  those 
affections,  when  combined  with  Life-Root  and  other  herbal  preparations, 
is  without  an  equal.  Sometimes  the  recent  root  is  used  to  advantage 
in  dropsy.  Boiled  in  milk,  it  is  also  useful  for  ulcers,  inflammations, 
fever-sores,  etc.  I  use  it  in  combination  with  other  indicated  plants  as 
an  injection  in  leucorrhoea,  with  very  gratifying  success. 

LION'S  FOOT  (Nabulus  Albus). 

CoMiioN  Names.      WJtite  Lettuce.,  Rattle-snake  Root. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  plant. 

Description. — This  indigenous  perennial  herb  has  a  smooth  stem,  stout 


116 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


and  purplish,  from  two  to  four  feet  high.  Radical  leaves  angular- 
hastate,  caiiline  ones  lanceolate,  and  all  irregularly  dentate. 

History. — This  jilant  grows  plentifully  in  moist  woods  and  in  rich  soils, 
from  New  England  to  Iowa,  and  from  Canada  to  Carolina.  The  root, 
leaves,  and  juice  of  the  jslant  are  employed. 

Properties  and  Uses.— A  decoction  of  the  root  taken  internally  will 
operate  most  favorably  in  cases  of  dysentery.  The  milky  juice  of  the 
plant  is  taken  internally,  while  the  leaves,  steeped  in  water,  are  applied 
as  a  poultice  (and  frequently  changed)  for  the  bite  of  a  serpent. 

LOBELIA  (Lobelia  Inplata). 
Common  Names.  Indian  Tobacco,  Wild  'Tobacco. 
Medicinal  Parts.     The  leaves  and  seeds 

Description. — Lobelia  is  an  annual  or  biennial  indigenous  plant,  with 
a  fibrous  root,  and  an  erect,  angular,  very  hairy  stem,  from  six  inches  to 
three  feet  in  height.  The  leaves  are  alternate, 
ovate-lanceolate,  serrate,  veiny,  and  hairy ;  flow- 
ers small,  niimerous,  pale-blue  ;  fruit  a  two-celled 
ovoid  cajisule,  containing  numerous  small-  brown 
seeds. 

History. — Lobelia  flowers  from  July  to  Novem- 
ber, and  grows  in  nearly  all  parts  of  the  United 
States,  in  fields,  woods,  and  meadows.  The  whole 
plant  is  active,  and  the  stalks  are  used  indiscrimi- 
nately with  the  leaves  by  those  who  are  best  ac- 
quainted with  its  properties.  The  root  is  sup- 
posed to  be  more  energ-etic,  medicinally,  than  any 
other  part  of  the  plant.  The  proper  time  for 
gathering  is  from  the  last  of  JiUy  to  the  middle 
of  October.  The  plant  should  be  dried  in  the 
shade,  and  then  be  preserved  in  packages  or  cov- 
ered vessels,  more  especially  if  it  be  reduced  to 
powder.  It  was  used  in  domestic  practice  by  the 
people  of  New  England  long  before  the  time  of 
Samuel  Thompson,  its  assumed  discoverer. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Administered  internally  it  is  emetic,  nauseant, 
expectorant,  relaxant,  sedative,  anti-spasmodic,  and  secondarily  cathar- 
tic, diaphoretic,  and  astringent.  It  is  extensively  used  to  subdue 
epasms,  and  will  give  relief  in  epilepsy,  tetanus,  cramps,  hysteria,  cho- 
rea, and  convulsions  ;  but  it  is  merely  a  temporary  relief  when  admin- 
istered internally,  and  if  not  used  with  great  skill  and  caution  in  that 
way,  may  do  as  much  harm  as  good.  Applied  externally,  in  the  form 
of  an  ointment,  combined  with  healing  and  soothing  barks  and  roots,  it 
is  decidedly  the  best  counter-irritant  known  to  mankind.     In  this  shape 


Lobelia. 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  117 

its  equal  has  never  been  discovered,  and  probably  never  will  be.  Tliia 
is  one  of  the  ingredients  of  the  "Herbal  Ointment,"  a  full  desciiption 
of  which  will  be  found  on  page  469  of  this  work.  There  are  any  num- 
ber of  ofEcinal  preparations  of  LobeUa,  but  it  is  the  opinion  of  the  au- 
thor that  its  chief  value  consists  in  being  made  into  an  ointment,  with 
other  rare  and  potent  ingredients.  There  is  nothing  in  nature  that  can 
favorably  compare  with  it  in  this  form.  In  other  shapes  it  may  be  use- 
ful ;  but  it  is  also  dangerous  unless  given  with  care. 

LOTJSEWORT  (Gerardia  Pedicularia). 

Common  Names.     Fever-weed^  American  Foxgloiie,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  herb. 

Descriptwn. — The  stem  of  this  plant  is  bushy,  tail,  two  or  three  feet 
in  height.  The  leaves  are  numerous,  opposite,  ovate-lanceolate  ;  flow- 
ers large,  yellow,  and  trumpet-shaped  ;  calyx  five-cleft,  corolla  yellow, 
and  fruit  a  two-celled  capsule. 

History. — This  most  elegant  plant  grows  in  dry  copses,  pine  ridges, 
and  barren  woods  and  mouutauis,  from  Canada  to  Georgia,  flower- 
ing in  August  and  Sei^tember.     "Water  or  alcohol  extracts  its  virtues. 

Properties  aud  Uses. — It  is  diaphoretic,  antiseptic,  and  sedative. 
Used  principally  in  febrile  and  inflammatory  diseases ;  a  warm  infusion 
produces  a  free  and  copious  perspiration  in  a  short  time.  Very  valuable 
in  ephemeral  fever. 

Dose. — Of  the  infusion,  from  one  to  three  fluid  ounces. 

LinSTGWORT  (PuLMONARiA  Officinalis). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  leaves. 

Description. — This  rough  plant  has  a  stem  about  one  foot  high.  The 
radical  leaves  ovate,  cordate  ;  cauline  one,  ovate  and  sessile.  Flowers, 
blue  ;  calyx,  five-angled ;  corolla,  f  unnel-shai3ed  ;  stigma,  emarginate  ; 
and  the  fruit  a  roundish,  obtuse  achenium.     (See  Illustration,  page  16.) 

History. — Lungwort  is  a  herbaceous  perennial,  growing  in  Europe  and 
this  country  in  northern  latitudes.  In  Europe  it  is  a  rough-leaved 
plant,  but  in  this  country  the  entire  plant  is  smooth,  which  exhibits  the 
pecuhar  cUmatic  influence.  It  is  showy,  and  freely  cultivated.  It 
flowers  in  May.  The  leaves  are  used  for  medical  purposes.  They  are 
vrithout  any  particular  odor.     Water  extracts  their  properties. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  demulcent  and  mucilaginous,  and  in  de- 
coction very  useful  in  bleeding  from  the  lungs,  and  bronchial  and  catar- 
rhal affections,  and  other  disorders  of  the  respiratory  organs.  Its  virtues 
seem  to  be  entirely  expended  upon  the  lungs,  and  it  is  certainly  an  effica- 
cious remedial  agent  for  all  morbid  conditions  of  those  organs.  It  ia  an 
ingredient  in  the  "  Acacian  Balsam,"  see  page  469. 


118  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

JIADDER   (RUBIA   TiNCTORUM). 

Medichstal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — This  plant  has  a  perennial,  long,  cylindrical  root,  about 
the  thickness  of  a  quill,  and  deep  reddish-brown.  It  has  several  herba- 
ceous, brittle  stems.  The  leaves  are  from  four  to  six  in  a  whorl,  lanceo- 
late, mucronate,  two  or  three  inches  long,  and  about  one-third  as  wide. 
Flowers  small  and  yellow. 

History. — Madder  is  a  native  of  the  Mediterranean  and  Southern 
European  countries.  The  drug  is  chiefly  imported  from  Holland  and 
France.  The  root  is  collected  in  the  third  year  of  the  plant,  when  it  is 
freed  from  its  outer  coveiing  and  dried.  It  is  valued  as  a  dye-stuff  for 
its  red  and  purple. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  sometimes  used  to  promote  the  menstrual 
and  ui-inary  discharges,  but  is  not  in  very  great  favor.  Combined  in  a 
preparation  with  other  ingredients,  it  is  of  some  considerable  remedial 
value. 

Dose. — Thirty  grains,  three  or  four  times  a  day.  If  used  frequently, 
it  will  color  the  bones  red. 

MAD-DOG  WEED  (Alisma  Plaj^tago). 

Common  Name.      Water  Plantain.  * 

Medicinal  Part.     The  leaoes. 

DescHption. — This  perennial  herb  has  all  radical,  oval,  oblong,  or 
lanceolate  leaves,  from  four  to  six  inches  in  length,  on  long  radical 
petioles.  The  flowers  are  small  and  white,  and  the  fruit  a  three-cor- 
nered achenium. 

Ilistory. — It  inhabits  the  North  American  continent  as  well  as  Europe, 
grows  in  watery  places,  and  flowers  in  July. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  was  once  considered  a  cajjital  remedy  for 
hydrophobia,  hence  its  name  ;  but  experience  has  demonstrated  that  aa 
a  cure  for  this  horrible  infliction  it  is  impotent.  In  urinary  diseases 
and  alfections,  an  infusion  of  the  leaves,  which  must  be  dried  and  pow-. 
dered,  is  very  efficacious. 

Dose. — Of  the  infusion  above  mentioned,  from  four  to  six  fluid  ounces, 
three  or  four  times  a  day.  The  fresh  leaves,  when  bruised,  form  a  very 
good  but  mild  counter-irritant. 

MAIDENHAIR  (Adi^vntum  Pedatum). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  herb. 

Description. — This  is  a  most  delicate  and  graceful  fern,  growing  from 
twelve  to  fifteen  inches  high,  with  a  slender,  poUshed  stalk.  Frond 
pedate,  wdth  pinnate  branches. 

Ilistory. — Maidenhair  is  perennial,  and  grows  throughout  the  United 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  Hy 

States  in  deep  woods,  on  moist,  rich  soil.  The  leaves  are  bitterish  and 
somewhat  aromatic,  and  part  with  their  virtues  upon  being  immersed  in 
boUing  water. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  refrigerant,  expectorant,  tonic,  and  sub- 
astringent.  A  decoction  of  the  plant  is  most  gratefully  cooling  in  f ebrUe 
diseases,  and  it  is  a  great  benefit  ia  coughs,  catarrh,  hoarseness,  iufluenza, 
asthma,  pleurisy,  etc.     The  decoction,  or  syrup,  can  be  used  freely. 

MAGNOLIA  (Magnolia  Glauca). 

Common  NAMEa  WJdte  Bay,  Beaver-tree,  Sweet  Magnolia,  Swamp 
Sassafras,  etc. 

Medicestal  Part.     TJie  bark. 

Description. — This  tree  varies  in  height  from  six  to  thirty  feet,  being 
taller  in  the  South  than  in  the  North.  The  leaves  are  alternate,  petioled, 
entire,  and  of  elliptical  shape.  The  flowers  are  large  and  solitary'-,  and 
of  grateftd  odor.     The  fruit  is  a  cone. 

History .—'Y.\iQ  therapeutical  virtues  of  these  trees  are  found  in  the 
bark  and  fruit.  The  bark  of  both  the  trunk  and  the  root  is  employed. 
The  odor  is  aromatic,  and  the  taste  bitterish,  warm,  and  pungent.  It  is 
gathered  during  the  sirring  and  summer.  It  has  smooth  and  ash-colored 
bark,  elegant,  odoriferous,  cream-colored  flowers,  and  can  be  found  in 
morasses  from  Massachusetts  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  It  flowers  from 
May  to  August.  There  are  other  varieties  which  do  not  require  especial 
mention  or  description. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  bark  is  an  aromatic,  tonic  bitter,  and  is 
also  anti-periodic.  It  is  used  much  in  the  stead  of  cinchona,  and  will 
remedy  the  intermittent  fevers  when  cinchona  has  failed.  It  is  used 
frequently  as  a  substitute  for  Peruvian  Bark,  as  it  can  be  continued  for 
a  longer  time  and  with  more  safety.  Properly  prepared  it  may  be  used 
as  a  substitute  for  tobacco,  and  will  break  the  habit  of  tobacco-chewing. 

Dose. — In  powder,  half -drachm  or  drachm  doses,  five  or  six  times  a 
day.  The  infusion  is  taken  in  wineglassful  doses,  five  or  six  times  a 
day.  The  tincture,  made  by  adding  two  ounces  of  the  cones  to  a  pint 
of  brandy,  will  be  found  beneficial  in  dyspejisia  and  chronic  rheumatism. 

MALLOW  (Common)  (Malva  Stlvestris). 

Common  Name.     High-mallow. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  Herb. 

Descnption. — This  plant  is  a  perennial,  and  has  a  round  stem  two  or 
three  feet  high,  and  a  tapering,  branching,  whitish  root.  The  leaves 
are  alternate,  deep  green,  soft,  and  downy.  The  flowers  are  large, 
numerous,  and  of  purple  color  ;  calyx  five-cleft ;  petals  five ;  stamens 
indefinite  ;  poUen  large,  whitish. 

History. — The  mallow  is  a  native  of  Europe,  but  is  naturalized  in  this 


120 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST, 


country.  It  grows  abundantly  in  fields,  waysides,  and  waste  places,  and 
flowers  from  May  to  October.  The  whole  plant,  especially  the  root, 
abounds  in  mucilage. 

Pnypcrties  and  Uses. — It  possesses  the  properties  common  to  mucila- 
ginous herbs,  and  an  infusion  thereof  forms  an  excellent  demulcent  in 
coughs,  irritations  of  the  air-passages,  flux,  affections  of  the  kidney  and 
bladder,  etc.  In  iaflanimatoiy  conditions  of  the  external  parts,  the 
bruised  herb  forms  an  excellent  application,  making,  as  it  does,  a  natural 
emollient  cataplasm. 

Malva  Eotundifolta,  or  Low-mallow,  called  by  children,  who  are 
fond  of  eatiQg  the  fruit,  cheeses,  possesses  similar  qualities. 


MAIiifDRAKE  (PoDOPnYLLUM  Peltatum). 

CosfMON  Names.      May-Apple,    Wild  Lemon,  Raccoon-berry,    Wild 
Mandrake. 
Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — This  plant,  which  is  illustrated  by  a  cut,  is  an  iadigenous 
perennial  herb,  with  a  jointed,  dark-brown  root,  about  half  the  size  of 

the  finger,  very  fibrous,  and  internally 
yellow.  The  stem  is  simple,  r»und, 
smooth,  erect,  about  a  foot  high,  di- 
viding at  the  top  into  two  petioles, 
from  three  to  six  inches  long,  each 
supporting  a  leaf.  The  leaves  are  large, 
palmate,  oftener  cordate,  smooth,  yel- 
lo\Hsh-gTeen  on  top,  paler  beneath. 
The  flower  is  solitary  in  the  fork  of 
the  stem,  large,  white,  and  somewhat 
fragrant.  The  fruit  is  fleshy,  of  a 
lemon  color,  and  in  flavor  resembles 
the  strawberry. 

There  is  another  plant  called  man- 
drake, but  which  is  the  Atrapa  Man- 
dragoim,  a  plant  belonging  to  the 
night-shade  I'amUy.  The  cut  I  give 
of  this  plant  is  quite  tnithfial.  It  is 
not  used  in  medicine.  It  inhabits  the 
shores  of  the  Mediterranean,  and  found 
lurking  in  dark  woods,  in  the  gloomy  thickets  on  the  banks  of  sluggish 
rivers.  It  is  fetid,  poisonous,  and  repulsive.  Even  its  golden  fruit  has 
this  nauseous  odor.  How,  then,  came  it  ever  to  usurp  its  dominion  over 
men  ?  Its  strong  narcotic  powers  may  have  had  some  influence ;  but 
the  peculiar  form  of  its  root,  in  which  the  resemblance  of  the  human 


Mandrake. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


121 


shape,  as  will  be  observed,  is  quite  apparent,  probably  led  to  its  use  in 
magic. 

In  popular  belief,  it  became  invested  with  half -human  attributes ;  and 
cries  and  groans  attested  its  pain  when  torn  from  the  ground.  Gathered 
w^th  peculiar  rites  under  the 
shadow  of  a  gallows,  it  caused 
money  to  multiply,  but  death 
overtook  the  daririg  searcher  for 
mandrake  who  committed  an 
error  in  the  ritual.  There  is 
nothing  new  under  the  sun,  and 
as  no  small  number  of  the  old- 
time  magical  effects  are  renewed 
imder  new  names,  our  book  may 
reach  some  spot  where  the  man- 
drake has  been  brought  forward 
by  some  new  schemer,  and  play 
its  part  in  deluding  the  sUIy. 

History.  —  The  Mandrake  is 
foimd  throughout  the  United 
States,  in  low,  shady  situations, 
rich  woods,  and  fields,  and  flow- 
ers in  May  and  June.  The  fruit 
matures  in  September  and  Octo- 
ber. It  is  scarcer  in  New  England  than  elsewhere.  The  Indians  were 
well  acquainted  with  the  virtues  of  this  plant.  The  proper  time  for 
collecting  the  root  is  in  the  latter  part  of  October  or  early  part  of 
November,  soon  after  the  fruit  has  ripened.  Its  active  principle  is 
Podophyllin,  which  acts  upon  the  liver  in  the  same  manner,  but  far 
superior  to  mercury,  and  with  intelligent  physicians  it  has  dethroned 
that  noxious  mineral  as  a  cholagogue. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Mandrake  is  cathartic,  emetic,  alterative,  an- 
thelmintic, hydragogne,  and  sialagogue.  It  is  an  active  and  certain 
cathartic.  As  a  deobstruent  it  has  no  superior,  acting  through  and  upon 
all  the  tissues  of  the  system,  and  its  action  continues  for  a  long  time. 
In  bilious  and  tyjihoid  febrile  diseases  it  is  very  valuable  as  an  emeto- 
cathartic,  break  ng  up  the  disease  quickly.  In  chronic  liver  diseases  it 
has  no  equal  in  the  whole  range  of  medicine.  It  can  also  be  used  as  an 
alterative.  In  constipation  it  acts  upon  the  bowels  without  disposing 
them  to  subsequent  costiveness.  It  is  also  very  beneficial  in  uterine 
diseases,  and  its  oflfice  as  a  great  remedj'  is  extensive.  It  is  one  of  the 
ingredients  of  my  ' '  Renovating  Pill. "     See  page  469. 

JJose.  — Of  the  powdered  root,  as  a  cathartic,  from  ten  to  thirty  grains  ; 
of  the  tincture,  from  ten  to  forty  drops. 
6 


Atropa  Mandragora. 


122 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


MATICO  (Piper  Angustifolitjm). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  leaves. 

Description. — This  is  a  tall  shrub,  presenting  a  singular  appearance 
from  its  pointed   stem   and   branches.     The   leaves  are   harsh,  short- 
stalked,  oblong -lanceolate,  and  acuminate.     Flowers  her- 
maphrodite. 

History.  — This  plant  grows  at  Huanaco  and  elsewhere 
in  Peru.  The  dried  leaves  are  the  parts  used,  and  have  a 
strong  fragrant  odor,  and  a  warm,  aromatic  taste.  They 
contain  a  dark-green  resin,  chlorophyll,  brown  and  yellow 
coloring  matter,  gum,  nitrate  of  potassa,  maticine,  a  vola- 
tile oil,  salts,  and  lignin.  The  plant  has  long  been  used 
by  the  Indians  of  Peru  in  venereal  diseases,  but  mostly 
for  diseases  of  the  mucous  membranes,  over  which  it  has 
a  complete  mastery.  Having  been  emijloyed  as  a  me- 
chanical agent  to  stanch  blood  by  a  soldier,  it  has  received 
the  name  of  Soldiers'  Herb. 

Properties  and  Uses.- — Matico  is  an  aromatic  stimulant. 
It  is  extremely  useful  to  arrest  discharges  from  m-ucous 
surfaces,  leucorrhoea,  gonorrhoea,  and  catarrh  of  the  blad- 
der. As  a  topical  agent  for  stanching  blood  it  is  excel- 
lent, and  is  used  by  surgeons  to  arrest  venous  hemorrhage. 
For  the  above  affections  Matico  serves  its  office  well,  but  its  greatest  use 
and  efficacy  is  exhibited  in  nasal  catarrh.  It  is  an  absolute  specific  for 
this  disease.  I  have  long  employed  it — even  before  it  was  admitted  in 
the  various  pharmacopoeias — in  my  special  treatment  for  catarrh,  and  I 
liave  yet  to  find  a  case  in  which  it  failed.  I  use  it  both  internally  and 
topically,  and  combine  it  with  such  other  remedial  agents  as  are  sug- 
gested by  the  character  of  each  individual  case.  Catarrh  (see  page  362) 
has  long  been  regarded  by  the  profession  as  incurable,  but  in  this 
remedy  the  incontrovertible  aphorism  that  "  every  disease  has  its  speci- 
fic "  is  still  further  exemplified,  and  human  progress  will  ere  long  com- 
plete the  analogy,  if  they  but  investigate  the  majestic  tree,  the  lowly 
shrub,  or  creeping  herb. 


Matico  Leaf. 


MECHAMECK  (Convolvulus  Panduratus). 

Common  Names.  WildJalwp.^  Man-in-the- Earth,  Man-in-the- Ground, 
Wild  Potato. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — This  has  a  perennial,  very  large  tapering  root,  from 
wliich  arise  several  long,  round,  slender,  purjilish  stems,  from  four  to 
eight  feet  high.     The  leaves  are  cordate  at  base,  alternate,  and  acumi- 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  123 

nate,  and  about  two  or  three  inches  long.  Flowers  large  and  white, 
opening  ia  the  forenoon  ;  fruit  an  oblong,  two-celled  capsule. 

History. — Mechameck  belongs  to  the  United  States,  and  grows  in 
light,  sandy  soils.  It  flowers  from  June  to  August,  but  is  rarely  found 
in  northern  latitudes.  The  root  is  the  officinal  part.  Its  best  solvent  ia 
alcohol  or  spirits.     Water  will  extract  its  active  properties. 

Properties  and  Uses.  — It  is  a  cathartic  if  powdered  and  taken  in  doses 
of  from  forty  to  sixty  grains.  The  infusion,  taken  in  wineglassful  doses 
every  hour,  is  useful  in  dropsy,  stranguiy,  and  calculous  affections.  It 
seems  to  exert  an  influence  over  the  lungs,  liver,  and  kidneys,  without 
excessive  diuresis  or  catharsis.  The  milky  juice  of  the  root  is  said  to 
be  a  protection  against  the  bite  of  the  rattlesnake. 

MEADOW  SAFFRON  (CoLcnicuM  Auttjmnale). 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  cormus  and  seeds. 

Description.  —  The  connus  of  this  plant  is  large,  ovate,  and  fleshy. 
The  leaves  are  dark-green,  very  smooth,  obtuse,  above  a  foot  long,  an 
inch  and  a  half  broad,  keeled,  produced  in  the  spring  along  with  the 
capsules.  Flowers  several,  bright-purple,  with  a  white  tube  appearing 
in  the  autumn  without  the  leaves.  Fruit  a  capsule,  seeds  whitish  and 
polished. 

History. — It  grows  in  meadows  and  low,  rich  soils  in  many  parts  of 
Europe,  and  is  common  in  England.  The  plant  is  annual  or  perennial, 
according  to  the  manner  in  which  it  is  propagated.  The  root  resem- 
bles that  of  the  tulip,  and  contains  a  white  acrid  juice.  The  bulb  should 
be  gathered  about  the  beginning  of  July,  and  the  seeds  early  in  August. 
ColcMcia  is  the  active  principle. 

Pi'oj)e7'ties  and  Uses. — It  is  sedative,  cathartic,  diuretic,  and  emetic. 
Used  in  gout  and  gouty  rheumatism,  dropsy,  palpitation  of  the  heart ; 
care  should  be  used  in  its  employment.  The  tincture  is  the  best  form 
of  administration,  of  which  the  dose  is  from  twenty  to  sixty  drops. 

MONKSHOOD  (Aconitum  Napellus). 

Common  Name.     Wolfs-bane. 

Medicinal  Parts.     Leaves  and  root. 

Description. — This  plant  has  a  small  napiform  root,  and  simple, 
straight,  erect  stems,  about  five  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  alternate, 
petioled,  dark-green  above,  paler  beneath.  The  flowers  are  large,  deep 
bluish-purple,  sometimes  white,  and  hairy ;  fruit  a  capsule. 

History. — This  perennial  herb  is  a  native  of  most  parts  of  Europe, 
growing  in  wooded  hills  and  plains,  and  is  much  cultivated  in  gardens. 
It  flowers  in  May  and  June.  All  parts  of  the  plant  contain  powerfully 
poisonous  properties  ;  but  the  root  is  the  part  most  generally  employed 
for  medical  purposes.     It  yields  Aconitina. 


124  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Although  Aconite  in  the  hands  of  the  intelli- 
gent physician  is  of  great  service,  it  should  not  be  used  in  domestic 
practice.  In  improper  doses  all  preparations  of  aconite  act  as  an 
energetic  acro-narcotic  poison.  As  a  sedative  and  anodyne,  it  is  useful 
in  all  febrile  and  inflammatory  diseases,  and,  indeed,  in  all  affections  in 
which  there  is  an  increase  of  nervous,  vascular,  or  muscular  action.  In 
acute  rheumatism,  pneumonia,  peritonitis,  gastritis,  and  many  other 
acute  disorders,  it  has  been  used  with  the  most  decided  advantage. 
Its  action  is  more  especially  displayed  in  the  highest  grades  of  fever 
and  inflammation. 

Dose.  — The  best  preparation  is  the  alcoholic  extract,  formed  by  evapo- 
rating a  tincture  made  of  a  pound  of  aconite  and  a  quart  of  alcohol. 
The  dose  of  this  is  one-eighth  of  a  grain. 

MOSS    (CORSICAN),    (FUCUS  HELMESTTniCORTON). 

Medicfnal  Part.     I'he  tcliole  plant. 

Description. — This  marine  plant  has  a  cartilaginous,  tufted,  dnta,ngled 
frond,  with  branches  marked  indistinctly  with  transverse  streaks.  The 
lower  part  is  dirty -yellow,  the  branches  more  or  less  purple.  * 

History. — It  is  found  growing  on  the  Mediterranean  coast,  and  es- 
pecially on  the  Island  of  Corsica.  It  is  cartilaginous  in  consistence,  is 
of  a  dull  and  reddish-brown  color,  has  a  bitter,  salt,  and  nauseous  taste, 
but  its  odor  is  rather  pleasant.     Water  dissolves  its  active  principles. 

Pro])crties  and  Uses. — It  is  an  excellent  anthelmintic.  The  influence 
it  exercises  upon  the  economy  is  entirely  inappreciable,  but  it  acts 
very  powerfully  on  intestinal  worms.  Dr.  Johnson  says  :  "It  destroys 
any  worms  domiciliating  in  the  bowels  as  effectually  as  choke -dam2)3 
would  destroy  the  life  of  a  miner."  This  excellent  vermifuge  plant  is 
one  of  the  ingredients  of  my  Male  Fern  Vermifuge,  see  page  4r>9. 

Dose. — From  ten  to  sixty  grains,  mixed  with  molasses  or  syrup,  or  in 
infusion. 

The  Fucus  Vesiculosis,  Sea-wrack.,  or  Bladder  Fucus,  possesses  an- 
alogovis  properties. 

MOTHERWORT  (Leonurus  Cardiaca). 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  tojis  and  leaves. 

Description. — This  perennial  plant  has  stems  from  two  to  live  feet  in 
height.  The  leaves  are  opposite,  dark-green,  rough,  and  downy.  The 
flowers  are  purplish  or  whitish-red  ;  calyx,  rigid  and  bristly  ;  corolla, 
purplish  ;  anthers  in  pairs,  and  fruit  an  oblong  achenium. 

History. — Motherwort  is  an  exotic  plant,  but  extensively  introduced 
into  the  United  States,  growing  in  fields  iuid  pastures,  and  flowering 
from  May  to  September.     It  has  a  peculiar,  aromatic,  not  disagreeable 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  125 

odor,  and  a  slightly  aromatic  bitter  taste.  It  yields  its  properties  to 
water  and  alcohol. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  antispasmodic,  emmenagogue,  nervine,  and 
laxative.  In  amenorrhoea  from  colds  it  is  excellent,  if  given  in  warm 
infusion.  It  is  very  useful  in  hysteria,  nervous  complaints,  pains  pecu- 
liar to  females,  delirium  tremens,  wakefulness,  liver  affections,  etc.,  etc. 
It  is  a  very  valuable  remedy  for  many  purposes,  and  deserves  greater 
attention  than  it  receives. 

JJose. — Decoction,  two  to  four  ounces ;  extract,  three  to  six  graios. 

MULLEIN  (Verbascum  Thapsus). 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  leaves  and  flowers. 

Description. — This  biennial  plant  has  a  straight,  tall,  stout,  woolly, 
Bimple  stem.  The  leaves  are  alternate,  oblong,  acute,  and  rough  on  both 
Bides.  The  flowers  are  of  a  golden-yellow  color ;  calyx,  five-parted ; 
corolla,  five-lobed  ;  stamens,  five  ;  and  fruit,  a  capsule  or  pod. 

History.  — Mullein  is  common  in  the  United  States,  but  was  undoubt- 
edly introduced  from  Europe.  It  grows  in  recent  clearings,  slovenly 
fields,  and  along  the  side  of  roads,  flowering  from  June  to  August. 
The  leaves  and  the  flowers  are  the  parts  used.  They  have  a  faint, 
rather  pleasant  odor,  and  a  somewhat  bitterish,  albuminous  taste,  and 
yield  their  virtues  to  boiling  water. 

Properties  and  Uses.- — It  is  demtdcent,  diuretic,  anodyne,  and  anti- 
Bpasmodic,  the  infusion  being  usefiU  in  coughs,  catarrh,  bleeding  from 
the  mouth  or  lungs,  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  and  piles.  It  may  be  boiled  in 
milk,  sweetened,  and  rendered  more  palatable  by  aromatics,  for  internal 
use,  especially  bowel  complaints.  A  fomentation  of  the  leaves  in  hot 
vinegar  and  water  forms  an  excellent  local  application  for  inflamed 
piles,  ulcers,  and  tumors,  mumps,  acute  inflammation  of  the  tonsils, 
malignant  sore  throat,  etc.  A  handful  of  them  may  be  also  placed  in 
an  old  teapot,  with  hot  water,  and  the  steam  be  inhaled  through  the 
spout,  in  the  same  complaints. 

MYERH  (Balsamodendron  Myrrha). 

Medicinal  Part.     T7ie  resinous  exudation. 

Description.  — This  plant  has  a  shrubby,  arborescent  stem,  epinescent 
branches,  a  very  pale  gray  bark,  and  yellowish-white  wood.  The  leaves 
are  temate,  on  short  petioles  ;  leaflets,  obovate  ;  flowers,  unknown. 

History.  — The  Myrrh-tree  grows  in  Arabia,  and  in  the  regions  between 
Abyssinia  and  the  Red  Sea.  The  juice  flows  naturally,  like  cherry-tree 
gum,  upon  the  bark.  At  first  it  is  soft  and  pale  yeUow.  but  by  drying 
becomes  hard,  darker  and  redder,  and  forms  the  medicinal  Gum  Myrrli. 
It  is  readily  powdered,  and  has  a  peculiar,  agreeable,  balsamic  odor, 
azid  a  bitter,  aromatic,  not  unpleasant  taste. 


126 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


Properties  and  VseJi. — It  is  a  stimulant  of  the  mucous  tissues,  and 
used  to  promote  exijectoration,  as  well  as  menstruation ;  and  is  highly 
useful  in  enfeebled  conditions  of  the  body,  excessive  mucous  secretion, 
chronic  catarrh,  leucorrhoca,  etc.  Also  in  larj'ngitis,  bronchitis,  humoral 
asthma,  and  other  diseases  of  the  air-tubes,  accompanied  with  profuse 
secretion,  but  expelled  with  difficulty.  It  is  valuable  in  suppressed 
menses  and  cases  of  anajmia ;  also  as  a  local  application  to  indolent 
sores,  gangrenous  ulcers,  aphthous  or  sloughy  sore  throat,  spongy  and 
ulcerated  condition  of  the  gum,  caries  of  the  teeth,  etc. 

Dose. — In  powder  and  j^Ul,  ten  to  thirty  grains  ;  of  the  tincture,  from 
half  to  two  teasijoonfuls. 

NAEROW  LEAF  VIRGINIA  THTME  (PYCAi^TnEMUM  Virginicum). 

Common  Name.     Prairie  Hyssop. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  plant. 

Description. — This  pubescent  plant  has  a  simple  stem,  gro-v^ong  from 
one  to  two  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  sessile,  entire,  and  linear ;  flow- 
ers are  white,  and  fruit  an  achenium. 

History. — It  is  found  in  low  grounds,  dry  hUls,  and  plains,  from  Ohio 
and  Illinois  extending  southward,  and  llowering  in  July  and  Aiigust. 
The  whole  plant  is  used,  and  has  the  taste  and  odor  peculiar  to  the*mint 
family. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  diaphoretic,  stimulant,  antispasmodic, 
carminative,  and  tonic.  A  warm  infusion  is  very  useful  in  puerperal, 
remittent,  and  other  forms  of  fever,  coughs,  colds,  catarrhs,  etc. ,  and  is 
also  of  much  benefit  in  spasmodic  diseases,  especially  colic,  cramp  of  the 
stomach,  and  spasms  of  infants.  The  cold  infusion  is  a  good  tonic  and 
stimulant  during  convalescence  from  exhausting  diseases.  It  forms  a 
most  certain  remedy  for  catarrh  when  combined  with  other  native  and 
foreign  herbs  and  roots. 

Dose. — From  one  to  four  fluid  ounces  of  the  warm  or  cold  infusion, 
several  times  a  day. 

The  P.  Pilosvm,  P.  Aristatum  or  Wild  Basil,  and  P.  Incanum,  have 
similar  properties. 

NETTLE  (Urtica  Dioca). 

Common  Name.     Great  Stinging  JVettle. 

MEDiciNAii  Parts.     Tfie  root  and  leaves. 

Description. — This  is  a  i)erennial,  herbaceous,  dull-green  plant,  armed 
with  small  prickles,  which  emit  an  acrid  fluid  when  pressed.  The  stem 
is  from  two  to  four  feet  high  ;  root  creeping  and  branching.  The  leaves 
are  opposite,  cordate,  hxnce-ovato,  and  conspicuously  acuminate.  Flow- 
ers are  small  and  green. 

History . — The  Common  Nettle  is  well  known  both  in  America  and  in 


THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST.  127 

Europe,  and  grows  in  waste  places,  beside  hedges  and  in  gardens,  flow- 
ering from  June  to  September.  The  leaves  and  root  are  the  parts  iised. 
The  prickles  of  the  Common  Nettle  contain  Formic  Acid.  The  youji» 
shoots  have  been  boiled  and  eaten  as  a  remedy  for  scurA'j-. 

Projyerties  and  Uses. — It  is  astringent,  tonic,  and  diuretic.  In  decoc- 
tion they  are  valuable  in  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  and  piles  ;  also  in  hemor- 
rhages, scorbutic  and  febrile  affections,  gi-avel,  and  other  nephritic  com- 
plaints. The  leaves  of  the  fresh  Common  Nettle  stimulate,  inflame, 
and  raise  blisters  upon  those  portions  of  the  skin  to  which  they  may  be 
applied,  and  they  have,  as  a  natural  consequence,  often  been  used  as  a 
powerfid  rubefacient.  They  are  also  an  excellent  styjitic,  checking  the 
flow  of  blood  from  surfaces  almost  immediately  upon  their  application. 
The  seeds  and  flowers  are  given  in  wine  for  agues. 

Dose. — Of  the  poivdered  root  or  leaves,  from  twenty  to  forty  grains  ; 
of  the  decoction,  from  two  to  four  fluid  ounces. 

Urtica  Urens,  or  Dioarf  Nettle.,  possesses  similar  qualities,  and  is 
very  efficacious  in  uterine  hemorrhage. 

Urtica  Pamila,  Cool-weed,  Rich-weed,  or  Stingless  Nettle,  has  also 
active  properties.  It  gives  reUef  in  inflammations,  painful  sweUings, 
erysipelas,  and  the  topical  poison  of  rhus. 

NET  LEAF  PLANTAIN  (Goodyera  Pubescens). 

Common  Names.  Scrofula-weed,  Addefs  Violet,  Rattle-snake  Leaf, 
etc. 

Medicinal  Part.       The  leaves. 

DescHption. — The  scape  or  stem  of  this  plant  is  from  eight  to  twelve 
inches  high,  springing  from  a  perennial  root.  The  leaves  are  radical, 
ovate,  and  dark  green.  The  flowers  are  white,  numerous,  and  pubes 
cent. 

History. — This  herb  grows  in  various  parts  of  the  United  States,  in 
rich  woods  and  under  evergreens,  and  is  commoner  southward  than 
northward,  although  there  is  a  variety  ( Ooodyera  Repens)  which  is  plen- 
tiful in  colder  regions  of  America.  It  bears  yellowish-white  flowers  in 
July  and  August.  The  leaves  are  the  parts  employed,  and  yield  their 
virtues  to  boiling  water. 

Properties  and  Uses.— It  is  anti-scrofulous,  and  is  kno^^m  to  have  cured 
severe  cases  of  scrofula.  The  fresh  leaves  are  steeped  in  milk  and  ap- 
I^lied  to  scrofulous  iilcers  as  a  poultice,  or  the  bruised  leaves  may  be  laid 
on  them,  and  in  either  case  they  must  be  removed  every  three  hoiu-s  ; 
at  the  same  time  an  infusion  must  be  taken  as  freely  as  the  stomach  wfll 
aUow.  It  is  also  good  as  a  wash  in  scrofiUous  ophthalmia.  In  my  opin- 
ion scrofula  is  one  of  the  most  obstinate  and  many-shaped  afflictions 
to  which  the  human  race  is  subjected,  but  in  the  production  of  this  and 


128  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST, 

other   native  and  foreign  plants,  nature  lias  shown  her  great  charity 
and  kindness  towards  us. 

NIGHTSHADE  (Garden)  (Solanum  NrGRu>i). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  leaves. 

Description. — This  is  a  fetid,  narcotic,  bushy  herb,  with  a  fibrous 
root,  and  an  erect,  branching,  thornless  stem,  one  or  two  feet  high. 
Leaves  are  ovate,  dentated,  smooth,  and  the  margins  have  the  appear- 
ance as  if  gnawed  by  insects.  Flowers  white  or  pale-violet ;  fruit,  a 
berry. 

History. — This  plant  is  also  called  Deadly  Nightshade,  but  is  not  to 
be  confounded  with  Belladonna.  It  is  found  growing  along  old  walls, 
fences,  and  in  gardens,  in  various  jtarts  of  the  United  States,  flowering 
in  July  and  August.     The  leaves  yield  their  virtues  to  water  and  alcohol. 

Praperticx  and  Uses. — It  is  a  narcotic  and  sedative,  producing,  when 
given  in  large  doses,  sickness  and  vertigo.  One  to  three  grains  of  the 
leaves,  infused  in  water,  will  produce  a  copious  perspiration  and  purge 
on  the  day  following.  They  have  been  freely  used  in  cancer,  scurvy, 
and  scrofulous  affections,  in  the  form  of  an  ointment.  Very  small 
doses  are  taken  internally.  These  should  always  be  prescribed^  and 
their  efiEects  watched  by  a  physician.  It  is  better  to  use  the  plant  only 
in  the  form  of  an  ointment.  The  berries  are  poisonous,  and  will  pro- 
duce torpor,  insensibility,  and  death. 

NORWAY  PINE  (Abies  Excelsa). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  concrete  juice. 

Dtscriptiou. — This  is  a  large  tree,  often  having  a  diameter  exceeding 
four  feet,  and  attaining  an  altitude  of  one  hundred  and  forty  feet. 
Leaves  are  short,  scattered,  mucronate,  dark-green,  and  glossy  above. 

Jli.stor//. — It  is  an  inhabitant  of  Germany,  Russia,  and  Norway,  and 
other  northern  parts  of  Europe,  as  well  as  of  Asia.  It  affords  the  Frank- 
incense of  commerce,  which,  when  boiled  in  water  and  strained,  forms 
the  officinal  Buryundy  Pitch. 

PrvpertieK  and  Uses. — Burgundy  Pitch  is  generally  used  externally 
to  produce  a  redness  of  the  surface,  with  a  slight  serous  exhalation.  It 
is  employed  as  a  counter-  irritant  in  chronic  diseases  of  the  lungs, 
stomach,  intestines,  etc  ,  and  is  regarded  with  favor  as  a  local  applica- 
tion in  rheumatic  affections. 

NUX  VOMICA  (Stuyciinos  Nux  Vomica). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  seeds. 

Descnption.  — This  is  a  moderate-sized  tree,  with  a  short  and  pretty 


THE    COMPLETE    HERRALIST. 


129 


Nux  Vomica. 


thick  trunk.  The  wood  is  white,  hard,  and  bitter.  The  leaves  are  op- 
posite, oval,  and  smooth  on  both  sides. 
Flowers  small,  greenish-white,  funnel- 
shaped,  and  have  a  disagreeable  odor. 
The  fruit  is  a  berry,  round,  and  about 
the  size  of  a  large  apple,  enclosing  five 
whitish  seeds. 

History. — It  is  an  inhabitant  of  Cor- 
omandel,  Ceylon,  and  other  parts  of 
the  East  Indies.  The  active  princi- 
ples of  the  seeds  are  strychnine  and 
hrucia. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  an  ener- 
getic poison,  exerting  its  influence 
chiefly  upon  the  cerebro-spinal  system.  It  is  supposed  to  affect  the 
spuial  cord  principally.  It  is  a  favorite  medicine  for  paralysis  and  ner- 
vous debility  generally.  If  a  poisonous  dose  is  given  it  will  produce 
spasms  like  tetanus  or  lock-jaw.  It  is  tonic,  and  increases  the  action 
of  various  excretory  organs.  Where  want  of  nervous  energy  exists  it  is 
an  admirable  remedy.  Its  range  of  service  is  quite  extensive,  and  valu- 
able for  many  indications ;  but  as  great  caution  is  required  in  its  ad- 
ministration, it  should  only  be  employed  by  the  educated  physician. 

OAK — White,    Red,    and    Black    (Quercus   Alba,   Rubra,   and 

TlNCTORIA). 

Medicestal  Part.     The  bark. 

Descri'pti<jn. — These  forest-trees  vary  in  size,  according  to  the  climate 
and  soil.  In  diameter  they  are  from  three  to  six  feet ;  in  height,  from 
sixty  to  a  hundred  feet.  They  are  too  well  known  to  require  any  botan- 
ical description. 

History. — Quercus  is  a  very  extensive  and  valuable  genus,  consisting 
of  many  species,  a  large  proportion  of  which  grow  in  the  United  States. 
Their  usual  character  is  that  of  astrmgent,  and  the  three  above  described 
are  those  which  have  been  more  particularly  employed  in  medicine.  The 
bark  of  the  tree  is  the  portion  used.  White  oak  bark  is  the  one  chiefly 
used  in  medicine.  It  is  of  a  pale  brownish  color,  faintly  odorous,  very 
astringent,  with  a  slight  bitterness,  tough,  breaking  with  a  stringy  or 
fibrous  fracture,  and  not  readily  powdered.  It  contains  a  very  large 
proportion  of  tannic  acid.  Black  oak  bark  is  also  used  as  an  astringent 
externally,  but  is  rarely  employed  internally,  as  it  is  liable  to  derange 
the  bowels.  It  is  also  used  in  tanning  and  for  dyeing.  Red  oak  bark 
also  contains  considerable  tannin,  and  is  chiefly  applied  extemafly  m  the 
treatment  of  cancers,  indolent  ulcers,  etc. 

Propertici,  and  Uses. — The  bark  is  slightly  tonic,  powerfully  astrin- 
0'  I 


130  ■  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

gent,  and  antiseptic.  It  is  useful  internally  in  chronic  diarrhoea,  chronic 
mucous  discharges,  passive  hemorrhages,  and  wherever  an  internal  as- 
tringent is  required.  In  colliquative  sweats  the  decoction  is  usually 
combined  with  lime-water.  The  gargle  and  injection  are  extensively 
used  for  sore  throat,  whites,  piles,  etc.  A  bath  of  the  decoction  is  often 
advantageous  in  cutaneous  diseases,  but  should  only  be  used  when  or- 
dered by  a  physician. 

Dose. — Of  the  decoction,  one  or  two  fluid  ounces  ;  of  the  extract,  from 
five  to  twenty  grains. 

QUERCUS  INFECTORIA,  or  Dyers'  Oak,  is  a  small  shrub,  which  fur- 
nishes the  morbid  excrescences,  Galls,  which,  or  the  gallic  acid  obtained 
from  them,  may  be  used  wherever  an  astringent  is  called  for. 

OLD  MAN'S  BEAED  (CnioNANTuus  Virginica). 

Common  Names.     Fringe  Tree,  Poison  Ash. 

Medicinal  Part.     Bark  of  the  root. 

Description. — This  is  a  shrub  or  small  tree,  growing  from  eight  to 
twenty-five  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  opposite,  oval,  oblong,  veiny,  and 
smooth  ;  flowers  are  in  dense  panicles  ;  calyx  very  small ;  corolla  snow- 
white,  consisting  of  four  petals ;  and  fruit  a  fleshy,  oval,  purple  dinipe. 

History. — This  plant  is  very  ornamental,  and  is  much  cultivated  in 
gardens,  from  Pennsylvania  to  Tennessee.  It  grows  on  river-banks  and 
on  elevated  places,  presenting  clusters  of  snow-white  flowers  in  May 
and  June.  The  bark  of  the  root,  which  imparts  its  properties  to  water 
or  alcohol,  is  the  part  used. 

Projierties  and  Uses.— The  bark  is  aperient,  alterative,  and  diuretic, 
with  some  narcotic  properties.  An  infusion  is  recommended  for  bilious, 
typhoid,  and  intermittent  fevers.  To  convalescents  who  are  suflfering 
from  the  effects  of  exhaustive  diseases  it  is  an  excellent  tonic  and  re- 
storative. It  can  be  used  to  advantage  as  a  poultice  for  ulcers,  wounds, 
and  external  inflammations. 

Dose. — Of  the  infusion,  from  the  half  a  fluid  ounce  to  two  fluid  oimces, 
repeated  several  times  through  the  day,  according  to  the  influence  it  ex- 
erts upon  the  system. 

OLD  FIELD  BALSAM  (Gnaphalium  Polycepiialum). 

Common  Names.  Indian  Posy,  Sweet-scented  Life  Everlasting, 
White  Balsam,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  herb. 

Descrijition.— This,  indigenous  herbaceous  aunud  has  an  erect,  whitish, 
woolly,  and  much  branched  stem,  one  or  two  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  al- 
temato,  sessile,  lanceolate,  acute,  and  entire  ;  flowers  tubular  and  yellow. 

Ilistory.— Old  Field  Balsam  is  foimd  in  Canada  and  various  parts  of 
the  United  States,  growing  in  old  fields  and  on  dry  barren  lands,  flower- 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  131 

ing'  in  Jtdy  and  Augnst.  The  leaves  have  a  pleasant,  aromatic  smell, 
and  are  the  parts  used.     They  readily  yield  their  properties  to  water. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  an  astringent.  Ulcerations  of  the  mouth 
and  throat  are  relieved  by  chewing  the  leaves  and  blossoms.  In  fevers 
a  warm  infusion  is  found  to  be  very  serviceable ;  also  in  quinsy,  and 
pulmonary  and  bronchial  complaints.  It  is  also  valuable,  in  infusion, 
for  diseases  of  the  bowels  and  hemorrhages  ;  and  the  leaves,  applied  to 
bruises,  indolent  tumors,  and  other  local  affections,  are  very  eflBcacious. 

Antemaria  Margabitacea,  or  Pearl-floicered  Life  Everlasting,  a 
perennial,  possesses  similar  medicinal  qualities. 

OPIUM  (Papaver  Somnifertjm). 

Common  Name,     Popjiy. 

Medicinal  Part.     Concrete  juice  of  unripe  capside. 

Deso'iption. — An  annixal  herb,  with  an  erect,  rovmd,  green,  smooth 
stem,  from  two  to  four  feet  high.  Leaves  large,  oblong,  green  ;  margins 
wavy,  incised,  and  toothed ;  teeth  sometimes  tipped  with  a  rigid  hair. 
Flowers  large,  calyx  smooth,  and  the  fruit  a  large,  smooth,  globose  cap- 
sule.    There  are  two  varieties,  the  black  and  lohite. 

History. — A  native  of  Asia  and  Egypt.  It  grows  apparently  wild  in 
some  parts  of  Europe  and  in  England,  but  has  escaped  the  gardens. 
Cultivated  in  Asia  Minor,  EgyjDt,  Persia,  and  India,  for  the  opium  ob- 
tained from  it.  The  white  variety  is  cultivated  on  the  plains  of  India, 
and  the  black  in  the  Himalayas.  Its  virtues  have  been  known  to  the 
ancients ;  for  Homer  speaks  of  the  poppy  gi'owing  in  gardens.  Poppy 
capsules  contain  a  small  quantity  of  the  principles  found  in  opium,  and 
the  effect  is  similar,  but  much  weaker  than  it  possesses.  They  are  used 
medicinally  ;  but  opium  is  almost  universally  used. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Opium  is  a  narcotic  and  stimulant,  acting 
under  various  circumstances  as  a  sedative,  antispasmodic,  febrifuge, 
and  diaphoretic.  It  is  anodyne,  and  extensively  used  for  that  purpose. 
It  contains  many  active  principles,  morphia  and  codeia  being,  however, 
the  most  important.  There  is  no  herbal  medicine  more  extensively 
used,  as  well  as  abused,  than  Opium,  and  though  a  valuable  remedy,  its 
indiscriminate  use  is  pernicious,  as  it  is  capable  of  doing  great  harm. 
Laudanum  and  paregoric  are  the  forms  mostly  used  in  domestic  prac- 
tice, but  the  "soothing  syrups"  and  "carminatives"  found  in  every 
nursery  and  household  all  contain  Cpium  in  some  form,  and  work  a 
great  deal  of  mischief. 

Dose. — Opium,  one  grain;  laudanum,  twenty  drops  ;  paregoric,  a  tea- 
spoonful. 


132  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

PAPOOSE  ROOT  (Caulophyllum  TnALiCTROiDEs). 

Common  Navies.     Blue  Cohosh,  Squaio  Root,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — This  is  a  smooth,  glaucous  plant,  pui-ple  when  young', 
with  a  high,  round  stem,  one  to  three  feet  hij;h.  Leaves  bitemate  or 
tritemate,  leaflets  oval,  petiolate,  pale  beneath,  and  from  two  to  three 
inches  long.     The  flowers  appear  in  May  or  June. 

History.- — It  is  a  handsome  perennial  plant,  growing  in  all  parts  of 
the  United  States,  near  running  streams,  and  in  low,  moist,  rich 
grounds ;  also  in  swamps  and  on  islands.  The  seeds,  which  ripen  in 
August,  make  a  decoction  which  closely  resembles  coffee.  The  berries 
are  dry  and  rather  mawkish.     Its  active  principle  is  Ca  ulopthyllin. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  principally  used  as  an  enimenagogue, 
parturient,  and  antispasmodic.  It  also  possesses  diuretic,  diaphoretic, 
and  anthelmintic  properties.  It  is  employed  in  rheumatism,  colic, 
cramiis,  hiccough,  epilep.sy,  hysteria,  uterine  inflammation,  etc.  It  is  a 
valuable  remedy  in  all  chronic  uterine  diseases,  but  should  be  given  in 
combination  with  such  other  remedies  as  the  case  requires. 

Dose. — Of  the  decoction,  from  two  to  four  fluid  ounces,  three  or  four 
times  a  day. 

PAREIRA  BRAVA  (Cissampelos  Pareira). 

Common  Names.      Velcct  Leaf,  Ice  Vine. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Descriftion. — This  jjlant  is  a  shrub,  with  a  round  woody  root  and 
smooth  stems.  Leaves  roundish,  peltate,  subcordate,  and  smooth 
above  when  full  grown.  Flowers  sfeaU,  and  the  fruit  a  scarlet,  round, 
reniform,  shi-ivelled  berry. 

History. — This  is  a  native  of  the  West  India  Islands  and  the  Spanish 
Main.  It  is  sometimes  imported  under  the  name  of  abut  a  or  butua 
root.  It  comes  in  cylindrical  pieces,  sometimes  flattened,  and  some  as 
thick  as  a  child's  arm,  and  a  foot  or  more  in  length.  The  alkaloid 
obtained  from  it  has  been  called  Cissampelin,  or  Pelosin. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Tonic,  diuretic,  and  aperient.  Used  in  chronic 
inflammation  of  the  bladder,  and  various  disorders  of  the  urinary 
organs.  It  is  also  serviceable  in  leucorrhoca  and  gonorrhoea.  It  ia 
highly  beneficial  in  calculous  affections,  rheumatism,  and  jaundice. 

Z'ose.— Of  the  infusion,  one  to  four  ounces;  extract,  ten  to  twenty 
grains. 

PARSLEY  (Petroselinum  Sativum). 
Medicinai-  P.vrt.      The  root. 
Description. — This  biennial  plant  has  a  fleshy,  spindle-shaped  root 


THK    COMPLETE    IIEKBALIST.  133 

and  an  erect,  smooth,  branching  stem.  The  radical  leaves  are  biter- 
nate,  bright  green,  and  on  long  petioles  ;  leaflets  wedge-shaped.  Flow- 
ers white  or  greenish,  and  petals  rounded  and  barely  emargtnate. 

History. — Although  Parsley  is  reared  in  all  parts  of  the  civilized 
world  as  a  culinary  vegetable,  it  is  a  native  of  Europe.  The  root  is  the 
officinal  part.  From  the  seeds  French  chemists  have  succeeded  ia  ob- 
taining an  essential  oU,  named  Apiol^  which  has  proved  to  be  a  good 
substitute  for  quinia  in  intermittent  fevers,  and  for  ergot  as  a  partu- 
rient. 

Projxrties  and  Uses. — It  is  diuretic,  and  very  excellent  in  dropsy, 
especially  that  following  scarlatina  and  other  exanthematous  diseases. 
It  is  also  frequently  used  to  remedy  retention  of  urine,  strangury,  and 
gonorrhoea.  The  seeds  are  sometimes  used  as  carminatives.  They  kill 
vermin  in  the  head.  The  leaves,  bruised,  are  a  good  application  for 
contusions,  swelled  breasts,  and  enlarged  glands.  The  bruised  leaves 
applied  to  the  breasts  are  iised  by  wet-nurses  to  "  dry  up  "  the  milk. 

Dose. — Of  the  oil,  for  diuretic  purposes,  three  or  four  drops  a  day  ;  of 
the  infusion,  two  to  four  fluid  ounces,  three  or  four  times  a  day. 

PARTRIDGE  BERRY  (Mitchella  Repens). 

Common  Names.  One  Berry,  Checkerberry,  Winter  Clover,  Deer- 
herry,  Sgiiaw-vine,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  vine. 

Description.- — This  indigenous  evergreen  herb  has  a  perennial  root, 
from  which  arises  a  smooth  and  creeping  stem.  The  leaves  are  ovate, 
slightly  cordate,  opposite,  flat  and  dark-green  ;  flowers  are  white,  often 
tinged  with  red,  in  pairs,  very  fragrant,  and  have  united  ovaries.  Calyx 
four-parted  ;  corolla  funnel-shaped  ;  stamens  four,  inserted  on  the  co- 
rolla.    The  fruit  is  a  dry  berry-like  double  drupe. 

History. — Partridge  Berry  is  indigenous  to  the  United  States.  It 
grows  both  in  dry  woods  and  swampy  places,  and  flowers  in  June  and 
Jtdy.  The  berry  is  bright  scarlet  and  edible,  but  nearly  tasteless.  The 
leaves,  which  look  something  like  clover,  remain  green  throughout  the 
winter.  The  whole  plant  is  used,  readily  imparting  its  virtues  to  alcohol 
or  boiling  water. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Partridge  Berry  is  parturient  (producing  or 
promoting  child-birth,  or  labor),  diuretic,  and  astringent.  In  all  uterine 
diseases  it  is  highly  beneficial.  The  Indian  women  use  it  for  weeks 
before  confinement,  in  order  to  render  parturition  safe  and  easy.  Ladies 
who  wish  to  use  it  for  that  purpose,  however,  should  consult  an  herbal 
physician  of  experience  for  a  proper,  safe,  and  effectual  preparation. 
The  remedy  is  exclusively  American,  not  being  used,  or  even  noticed,  by 
European  practitioners. 

Dose. — Of  a  strong  decoction,  from  two  to  four  fluid  ounces,  three  or 


134  THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

four  times  a  day.  The  berries  are  good  for  dysentery.  They  are  also 
highly  spoken  of  as  a  cure  for  sore  nipples.  The  application  for  the 
nipples  is  made  by  boiling  a  strong  decoction  of  the  leaves  down  to  a 
thick  liquid,  and  then  adding  cream  to  it.  It  is  not.  however,  equal  to 
the  Herbal  Ointment,  for  an  account  of  which  see  page  4G9. 

PENNYROYAL  (Hedeoma  Pulegioides). 

Common  Names.     Tickweed,  Squmc7nmt,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  herb. 

Desenption. — This  is  an  indigenous  annvial  plant,  with  a  fibrous,  yel- 
lowish root,  and  an  erect,  branching  stem,  from  six  to  twelve  inches 
high.  The  leaves  are  half  an  inch  or  more  long,  opposite,  oblong,  and 
on  short  petioles  ;  floral  leaves  similar.  The  flowers  are  quite  smaU  and 
light-blue  in  color. 

Hutory. — This  plant  should  not  be  confounded  with  the  Mentha  pule- 
gioides^  or  European  Pennyroyal.  It  grows  in  barren  woods  and  dry 
fields,  and  particiilarly  in  limestone  countries,  flowering  from  June  to 
September  and  October,  rendering  the  air  fragrant  to  some  distance 
around  it.  It  is  common  to  nearly  all  parts  of  the  United  States.  It  is 
said  to  be  very  obnoxious  to  fleas.  « 

Properties  and  Uses.  — It  is  stimulant,  diaphoretic,  emmenagogue,  and 
carminative.  The  warm  infusion,  used  freely,  will  promote  perspira- 
tion, restore  suppressed  lochia  or  after-flow,  and  excite  the  menstrual 
discharge  when  recently  checked.  It  is  very  much  used  by  females  for 
this  last  purpose — a  large  draught  being  taken  at  bedtime,  the  feet  being 
previously  bathed  in  hot  water. 

PEONY  (P^oNiA  Officinalis). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — Peony  has  many  thick,  long-spreading,  perennial  roots, 
running  deep  into  the  groimd,  with  an  erect,  herbaceous,  large,  green, 
and  branching  stem,  about  two  or  three  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  large  ; 
leaflets  ovate-lanceolate  and  smooth.  The  flowers  are  large,  red,  and 
solitary ;  and  fruit  a  many-seeded,  fleshy  follicle. 

History. — This  plant  is  indigenous  to  Southern  Europe,  and  is  culti- 
vated in  gardens  in  the  United  States  and  elsewhere,  on  account  of  the 
elegance  of  its  large  flowers,  which  appear  from  May  to  August.  The 
root  is  the  officinal  part.  This,  with  the  seeds  and  flowers,  yields  its 
virtues  to  diluted  spirits. 

Proj^ei'ties  and  [fseji.  —  It  is  antispasmodic  and  tonic,  and  can  be  ad- 
vantageously employed  in  chorea,  epilepsy,  spasias,  and  various  nervous 
affections.  An  infusion  of  value  is  made  by  adding  an  ounce  of  the  root, 
in  coarse  powder,  to  a  i)int  of  a  boiling  liquid,  composed  of  one  part  of 
good  gin  and  two  parts  of  water. 


THE   COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 


135 


l)ose.- 
day. 


-Two  or  three  fluid  otmces  (sweetened),  three  or  four  times  a 


PERUVIAN  BALSAJVI  (Mykospermum  Pertiiferttm). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  bakamic  exudation. 

Description.  —  The  tree  from  which  this  is  procured  is  large,  with  ,i 
thick,  straight,  smooth  tnuxk,  and  a  coarse,  gray,  compact,  heavy,  gran- 
ulated bark.  The  bark  is  of  a  pale  straw  color,  filled  with  resin,  which, 
according  to  its  quantity,  changes  the  color  to  citron,  yellow,  red,  or  dark 
chestnut ;  smeU  and  taste  grateful,  balsamic,  and  aromatic.  The  leaves 
are  pinnate ;  leaflets  alternate,  oblong  or  ovate,  acuminate,  and  emar- 
ginate.  The  flowers  are  in  axillaiy  racemes,  and  the  fruit  is  a  pendu- 
lous, straw-colored  samara. 

Ilist(yry. — The  tree  is  common  to  the  forests  of  Peru,  and  flowers 
from  July  to  October.  The  natives  call  it  Quinquino.  It  contains  a 
large  amount  of  balsamic  juice,  which  yields  copiously  when  the  bark  is 
incised.  Balsam  of  Peru,  in  thin  layers,  has  a  dark,  reddish-brown 
color ;  in  bulk  it  is  black,  or  of  the  color  of  molasses.  The  natives  steep 
the  fruit  in  rum,  caU  the  liquid  balsamito^  and  use  it  largely  for  medical 
purposes. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  expectorant  and  stimulant,  acting  especially 
on  mucous  tissues.  Its  reparative  action  on  the  lungs  in  consumption  is 
decided,  removing  the  secretions,  healing  the  ulcers,  and  expelling  the 
tuberculous  matter.  In  all  chronic  diseases  of  the  lungs  and  bronchial 
tubes  it  is  without  a  superior.  Externally  it  can  be  applied  to  old  ulcers, 
wounds,  ringworm,  etc. 

This  valuable  remedy  is  one  of  the  ingredients  of  my 
"  Acacian  Balsam,"  wherein  it  is  properly  combined 
with  many  other  valuable  associates. 

PINEHOOT  (Sptgelia  Marilandica). 

Common  Names.     Carolina  Pink  or  Worm  Grass. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — This  herbaceous,  indigenous  plant  has 
a  perennial,  very  fibrous,  yellow  root,  which  sends  up 
several  erect,  smooth  stems  of  purplish  color,  from  six 
to  twenty  inches  high.  The  leaves  are  opposite,  ses- 
sile, ovate-lanceolate,  acute,  or  acuminate,  entire,  and 
smooth.  Flowers  few  in  number  and  club-shaped. 
Fruit  a  double  capsule. 

History. — It  inhabits  the  Southern  States,  and  is 
seldom  found  north  of  the  Potomac.  It  was  used  by 
the  Indians  as  an  anthelmintic  before  the  discoveiy  of 
America,  and  was  formerly  collected  for  the  market  by  the  Creeks  and 


Pinkroot. 


136 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


Cherokees  in  the  northern  part  of  Georgia,  but  since  their  removal  the 
supply  comes  from  the  far  Southwest. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  an  active  and  certain  vermifuge,  especially 
among  children.  Given  alone  it  is  very  apt  to  produce  various  unpleas- 
ant symptoms,  increased  action  of  the  heart,  dizziness,  etc.  I  extract 
from  the  root  a  resinous  principle,  to  which  I  have  given  the  name  of 
Spigeliin,  which  has  all  of  the  virtues  of  the  root,  but  does  not  produce 
any  derangement.  I  employ  the  Spigeliin  in  my  "  Male  Fern  Vernu- 
fuge."     See  page  469. 

PIPSISSEWA  (CniMAPHiLA  TJmbellata). 

Common  Names.      Wintergreen,  Princess  Pine,  Ground  HoUy,  etc. 
Medicinal  Part.     The  wlwle  plant. 

Dencription. — This  is  a  small  evergreen,  nearly  herbaceous,  perennial 
herb,  with  a  creeping  rhizome,  from  which  spring  several  erect  stems, 

woody  at  their  base,  and  from  four  to 
eight  inches  high.  The  leaves  are  from 
two  to  three  inches  long,  on  short  petioles, 
and  of  dark  green-color,  paler  below. 
The  flowers  are  of  light-purple  color, 
and  exhale  a  fragrant  odor.  The  pbllen 
is  white,  and  the  fruit  is  an  erect  five- 
celled  capsule. 

History. — This  plant  is  indigenous  to 
the  north  temperate  regions  of  both 
hemispheres,  and  is  met  with  in  dry, 
shady  woods,  flowering  from  May  to 
August.  The  leaves  have  no  odor  when 
dried,  but  when  fresh  and  rubbed  they 
are  rather  fragrant.  Boiling  water  or 
alcohol  extracts  their  virtues.  They  con- 
tain resin,  gum,  lignin,  and  saline  sub- 
stances. 

Properties  and  Uses. — ^It  is  diuretic,  tonic,  alterative,  and  astringent. 
It  is  rspecially  useful  in  scrofula  and  chronic  rheumatism.  In  diseases 
of  the  kidneys  and  dropsy  it  exerts  a  decided  cvirative  power.  In  uri- 
nary diseases  it  is  preferable  to  uva  ursi,  on  account  of  being  less  obnox- 
ious to  the  stomach.  In  dropsy  it  cannot  be  so  well  depended  upou 
without  the  use  of  Bome  more  active  measures  in  combination  with  it. 


Pipsitsewa. 


PLEURISY  ROOT  (Asclepias  Tuuerosa). 

Co.MMON  Names.     Butterfly-iceed,  Wind-root,  Tubei'-root. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

J)e»eripti<m. — This  plant  has  a  perennial,  large,  fleshy,  white,  fusiform 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


137 


Pleurisy  Root. 


root,  from  which  numerous  stems  arise,  growing  from  one  to  three  feet 
high,  which  are  more  or  less  erect,  round,  hairy,  green  or  red,  and  grow- 
ing  in   bimches  from   the  root.     The  leaves  are  alternate,  lanceolate, 
hairy,  dark  green  above,  and  paler  beneath. 
The  flowers  are  numerous,  erect,  and  of  a 
beautifully  bright  orange  color.     The  fruit 
is  a  long,  narrow,  green  follicle.     Seeds  are 
ovate,  and  terminate  in  long  silken  hairs. 

History.— It  is  a  native  of  the  United 
States,  more  particularly  of  the  Southern 
States,  inhabiting  gravelly  and  sandy  soils, 
and  flowering  in  July  and  August.  The 
root  is  the  medicinal  part.  When  fresh 
it  has  a  disagreeable,  slightly  acrimonious 
taste,  but  when  dried  the  taste  is  slightly 
bitter.  Boiling  water  extracts  its  virtues. 
Asdepin  is  the  active  principle. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Pleurisy  Root  is  much  used  in  decoction  or 
infusion,  for  the  purpose  of  promoting  perspiration  and  expectoration 
in  diseases  of  the  respiratory  organs,  especially  pleurisy,  inflamma- 
tion of  the  lungs,  catarrhal  affections,  consumption,  etc.  It  is  like- 
wise carminative,  tonic,  diuretic,  and  antispasmodic,  but  does  not 
stimulate.  Acute  rheumatism,  fever,  dysentery,  etc.,  are  benefited 
by  a  free  use  of  the  warm  infusion.  It  is  also  highly  efiBcacious  in 
some  cases  of  dyspepsia.  In  uterine  difficulties  it  has  also  been 
found  of  great  value.  Its  chief  use,  however,  is  in  bronchial  and 
pulmonary  complaints,  and  it  serves  its  indications  in  these  com- 
plaints most  admirably.  It  is  one  of  the  ingredients  of  my  Acacian 
Balsam.     See  page  469. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  twenty  to  sixty  grains,  three  or  four  times  a 
day.  Of  a  strong  tincture,  one  or  two  wineglasses  full  four  or  five 
times  a  day,  until  perspiration  is  produced. 

POKE  (Phytolacca  Decandra). 

Common  Names.     Pigeon-berry^  Oarget.,  Scoke.,  Coakum,  etc. 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  root.,  leaves,  and  berries. 

Description. — This  indigenous  plant  has  a  perennial  root  of  large 
size,  frequently  exceeding  a  man's  leg  in  diameter,  fleshy,  fibrous,  easily 
cut  or  broken,  and  covered  with  a  thin  brownish  bark.  The  stems  are 
annual,  about  an  inch  in  diameter,  round,  smooth,  when  young  green, 
and  grow  from  five  to  nine  feet  in  height.  The  leaves  are  scattered, 
petiolate,  smooth  on  both  sides,  and  about  five  inches  loug  and  three 
broad.  The  flowers  are  numerous,  small,  and  greenish-white  in  oolor ; 
and  the  berries  are  round,  dark-purple,  and  in  long  clusters. 


138 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


History. — This  plant  is  common  in  many  parts  of  the  country,  grow- 
ing in  dry  fields,  hillsides,  and  roadsides,  and  flowering  in  July  and 
August.  It  is  also  found  in  Europe  and  northern  parts  of  Africa.  The 
leaves  should  be  gathered  just  previous  to  the  ripening  of  the  berries. 
The  berries  are  collected  when  fidly  matured.  Phytolacciii  is  its  active 
principle. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Poke  is  emetic,  cathartic,  alterative,  and  shghtly 
narcotic.  The  root  excites  the  whole  glandular  system,  and  is  very  use- 
ful in  syphilitic,  scrofixlous,  rheumatic,  and  cutaneous  diseases.  It  is 
an  excellent  remedy  for  the  removal  of  mercurio-syphilitic  affections. 
Very  few,  if  any,  of  the  alteratives  have  superior  power  to  Poke,  if  it 
is  properly  gathered  and  prepared  for  medicinal  use.  It  is  an  ingre- 
dient in  my  "  Blood  Purifier,"  which  will  be  found  fully  described  on 
page  469. 

POMEGRANATE  (PuNiCA  Granatibi). 

MEDicrNAL  Parts.  The  rind  of  the  fruit,  and  bark  of  the  root. 
Description. — This  is  a  small  tree  or  shrub.  The  leaves  are  opposite, 
entire,  smooth,  and  two  or  three  inches  long.  The  flowers  are  large, 
red,  two  or  three,  and  nearly  sessile.  Calyx  five-cleft,  corolla  consists 
of  five  much  crumpled  petals.  The  fruit  is  a  large  pericarp,*  quite 
pleasant  in  flavor,  and  quite  watery. 

Jlistory. — The  Pomegranate  is  Asiatic,  but  has  been  naturalized  in 
the  West  Indies  and  the  Southern  States. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  flowers  and  rind  of 
the  fruit  are  astringent,  and  are  used  for  the  ar- 
rest of  mucous  discharges,  hemorrhages,  night- 
sweats,  and  diarrhoea  accompanying  consumption. 
They  are  also  very  good  for  intermittent  fever  and 
tape-worm.  The  bark  of  the  root  is  used  as  a 
sijecific  for  tape-worm,  but  its  chief  virtues  are 
healing  and  balsamic,  if  taken  for  ulcerations  of 
the  lungs. 

Dose. — The  dose  of  the  rind  or  flowers  in  powder 
is  from  one  to  two  scruples,  and  in  decoction  from 
one  to  three  fluid  ounces. 


PRICKLY  ASH  (Xanthoxylum   Fraxineum). 

Common  Names.  Yellow-wood,  Toothache-buf<h, 
etc. 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  bark  and  berrien. 

Description. — This  indigenous  shrub  has  a  stem 
ten  or  twelve  feet  high,  with  alternate  branches,  which  are  armed 
with  strong  conical  prickles.     The  leaves  are  alternate  and  pinnate, 


Prickly   Anh. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  139 

leaflets  ovate  and  acute.  The  flowers  are  small,  greenish,  and  appear 
before  the  leaves.  The  fruit  is  an  oval  capsule,  varying  from  green 
to  red  in  color. 

IIMory. — It  is  a  native  of  North  America,  growing  from  Canada  to 
Virginia,  and  west  to  the  Mississippi,  in  woods,  thickets,  and  on  river 
banks,  and  flowering  in  April  and  May.  The  medicinal  parts  render 
their  virtues  to  water  and  alcohol.     Xanthoxyline  is  its  active  principle. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Prickly  Ash  is  stimulant,  tonic,  alterative, 
and  sialagogTie.  It  is  used  as  a  stimulant  in  languid  states  of  the 
system,  and  as  a  sialagogue  in  paralysis  of  the  tongue  and  mouth. 
It  is  highly  beneficial  in  chronic  rheumatism,  colic,  syphilis,  hepatic 
derangements,  and  wherever  a  stimulating  alterative  is  required. 
Dose  of  the  powder,  from  ten  to  thirty  grains,  three  times  a  day.  The 
berries  are  stimulant,  carminative,  and  antispasmodic,  acting  especially 
on  the  mucous  tissues. 

The  Aralia  Spinosa.,  or  Southern  Prickly  Ash,  differs  from  Xanthoxy- 
lum,  both  iu  botanical  character  and  medicinal  virtues. 

PRIVET    (LiGUSTRUM  VULGARE). 

Common  Names.     Privy,  Prim,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  leaves. 

Description. — This  is  a  smooth  shrub,  growing  five  or  six  feet  high. 
The  leaves  are  dark-green,  one  or  two  inches  iu  length,  about  half  as 
wide,  entire,  smooth,  lanceolate,  and  on  short  petioles.  The  flowers 
are  smaU,  white,  and  numerous,  and  fruit  a  spherical  black  berry.  In 
England  the  Privet  is  earned  up  with  many  slender  branches  to  a  rea- 
sonable height  and  breadth,  to  cover  arbors,  bowers,  and  banqueting 
houses,  and  brought  or  wrought  into  many  fantastic  forms,  as  birds, 
men,  horses. 

History. — It  is  supposed  to  have  been  introduced  into  1  irica  from 
England,  but  it  is  indigenous  to  Missouri,  and  found  growing  in  wild 
woods  and  thickets  from  New  England  to  Virginia  and  Ohio.  It  is  also 
cultivated  in  American  gardens.  The  leaves  are  used  for  medicinal 
purjioses.  They  have  but  little  odor,  and  an  agreeable  bitterish  and 
astringent  taste.  They  yield  their  virtues  to  water  or  alcohol.  The 
berries  are  reputed  cathartic,  and  the  bark  is  said  to  be  as  effectual  as 
the  leaves,  as  it  contams  sugar,  mannite,  starch,  bitter  resin,  bitter 
extractive,  albumen,  salts,  and  a  peculiar  substance  called  Lignstrin. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  leaves  are  astringent.  A  decoction  of 
them  is  valuable  in  chronic  bowel  complaints,  ulcerations  of  stomach 
and  bowels,  or  as  a  gargle  for  ulcers  of  mouth  and  throat.  It  is  also 
good  as  an  injection  for  ulcerated  ears  with  ofl:ensive  discharges,  leu- 
corrhffia,  etc.  This  ingredient  I  use  in  a  wash  for  leucorrhoea,  which 
never  fails  to  cure. 


140  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

DoM. — Of  the  powdered  leaves  thirty  io  sixty  grains,  three  times  a 
day  ;  of  the  decoction  two  to  four  teacupfuls. 

QUASSIA   (PlCK^ENIA    EXCELSA). 

Common  Names.     Bitter-wood^  Bitter-ash. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  icood. 

I)escrij)tion. — This  is  a  tree  growing  from  fifty  to  one  hundred  feet 
high,  with  an  erect  stem,  three  or  more  feet  in  diameter  at  the  stem. 
The  bark  is  grayish  and  smooth.  The  leaves  are  alternate,  unequally 
pinnate ;  leaflets  opposite,  oblong,  acuminate,  and  unequal  at  the 
base.  Flowers  are  small,  pale  or  yellowish-green.  Fruit  three  drupes, 
about  the  size  of  a  pea.  The  Quassia  Ataara,  or  bitter  quassia,  is  a 
shrub,  or  moderately-sized  branching  tree,  having  a  grayish  bark. 

History.  —  Quassia  Amara  inhabits  Surinam,  Guiana,  Colombia,  Pan- 
ama, and  the  West  India  Islands.  It  flowers  in  November  and  Decem- 
ber. The  bark,  wood,  and  root,  which  are  intensely  bitter,  are  used 
to  the  greatest  advantage  in  malignant  fevers.  For  the  medicinal  parts 
of  this  tree,  as  they  seldom  reach  England  or  America,  we  get  as  a 
substitute  the  Picrwna  Excelsa  of  Jamaica  and  other  neighbor^hg  isl- 
ands, which  flowers  in  October  and  November,  and  in  the  two  siicceed- 
ing  months  matures  its  fruit. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Quassia  is  tonic,  febrifuge,  and  anthelmintic. 
Cups  made  of  the  wood  have  been  used  for  many  years  by  persons  re- 
quiring a  powerful  tonic.  Any  Hquid  standing  in  one  of  these  vessels 
a  few  moments  will  become  thoroughly  impregnated  by  its  peculiar 
medicinal  qualities.  Wherever  a  bitter  tonic  is  required,  Quassia  is  an 
excellent  remedy. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  thirty  grains  ;  of  the  infusion,  from  one  to 
three  fluid  ounces  ;  of  the  tincture,  one  or  two  fluid  drachms,  and  of 
the  extract,  from  two  to  ten  grains. 

QUEEN  OF  THE  MEADOW  (Ecpatorium  PuRruiiEUM). 

Common  Names.    Gravel-root,  Joe-jne,  Trumpet-iceed. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — This  is  a  herbaceous  plant,  with  a  perennial,  woody 
root,  with  many  long  dark-brown  fibres,  sendmg  up  one  or  more  solid 
green,  sometimes  purplish,  stems,  five  or  six  feet  in  height.  The  leaves 
are  oblong-ovate  or  lanceolate,  coarselj'  serrate,  and  from  three  to  six 
in  a  whorl.     The  flowers  arc  tubular,  purple,  often  varying  to  whitish. 

History. — Queen  of  the  Meadow  grows  in  low  places,  dry  woods  or 
meadows,  in  the  Northern,  Western,  and  Middle  States  of  the  American 
Union,  and  flowers  in  August  and  September.  The  root  is  the  officinal 
part.     It  has  a  smell  resembling  old  hay,  and  a  slightly  bitter,  aromatic 


THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST.  141 

taste,  which  is  faintly  astringent  but  not  unpleasant.  It  j-ielda  its 
properties  to  water  by  decoction  or  spirits. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  diiiretic,  stimulant,  astringent,  and  tonic. 
It  is  used  in  aU  chronic  urinary  disorders,  as  well  as  in  hematuria,  gout, 
and  rheumatism,  with  moderate  good  effect. 

Dose. — Of  the  decoction,  from  two  to  four  fluid  ounces,  three  or  four 
timee  a  day. 

RAGGED  CUP  (Silphium  Perfoliatum). 

Common  Name.     Indian  Cwp-iilant. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Uescription.  — This  plant  has  a  perennial,  horizontal,  pitted  rhizome, 
and  a  large  smooth  herbaceous  stem,  from  four  to  seven  feet  high.  The 
leaves  are  opposite,  ovate,  from  eight  to  fourteen  inches  long  by  four 
to  seven  wide.  The  flowers  are  yellowish,  and  the  fruit  a  broadly 
ovate  winged  achenium. 

History.  — This  plant  is  common  to  the  Western  States,  and  is  found 
growing  in  rich  bottoms,  bearing  numerous  yellow  flowers,  which  are 
perfected  in  August.  It  has  a  large,  long,  and  crooked  root,  which  is 
the  part  used  medicinally,  and  which  readily  imparts  its  properties  to 
alcohol  or  water.  It  wiU  yield  a  bitterish  gum,  somewhat  simUar  to 
frankincense,  which  is  frequently  used  to  sweeten  the  breath. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  tonic,  diaphoretic,  and  alterative.  A 
strong  infusion  of  the  root,  made  by  long  steejjing,  or  an  extract,  ls 
said  to  be  one  of  the  best  remedies  for  the  removal  of  ague-cake,  or  en- 
larged spleen.  It  is  also  useful  in  intermittent  and  remittent  fevers, 
internal  bruises,  debility,  ulcers,  liver  affections,  and  as  a  general  alter- 
ative restorative.  The  gum  is  said  to  be  stimulant  and  antispasmodic. 
The  spleen  is  an  organ  whose  functions  the  very  best  of  the  old-school 
physicians  cannot  define  ;  but  that  it  is  the  seat  of  very  many  most  dis- 
tressing diseases  is  a  fact  which  not  one  of  them  will  pretend  to  deny. 
It  is,  as  nearly  as  can  be  ascertained  by  the  most  laborious  research,  a 
dependent  of  the  hver  and  stomach,  and  what  deranges  it  deranges 
both  the  stomach  and  the  liver. 

SiLPHiUM  Gummiperum,  or  Rosin-weed,  and  Silphium  Lacini- 
atum,  or  Compass-weed,  are  used  in  intermittent  fever,  and  are  bene- 
ficial in  dry,  obstinate  coughs.     They  often  cure  the  heaves  in  horses. 

RATTLE  BUSH  (Baptisia  Tinctoria). 

Common  Names.      Wild  Indigo,  Horsefly  Weed. 

Medicinal  Part.     T7u-  bark  of  the  root  and  leaves. 

Description. — The  blackish  and  wood  root  of  this  perennial  plant 
sends  up  a  stem  which  is  very  much  branched,  round,  smooth,  and  from 
two  to  three  feet  high.     The  leaves  are  small  and  alternate,  leaflets 


142  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

rounded  at  their  extremity  ;  calyx  four- cleft,  and  fruit  a  sliort>  bluish- 
black  legume. 

Histary. — This  small  shrub  grows  in  dry  places  in  many  parts  of  the 
United  States,  and  bears  bright  yellow  flowers  ia  July  and  August. 
The  fruit  is  of  a  bluish-black  color  in  the  form  of  an  oblong  pod,  and 
contains  iadigo,  tannin,  an  acid,  and  baptisin.  Any  portion  of  the 
plant,  when  dried,  yields  a  blue  dye,  which  is,  however,  not  equal  in 
value  to  iadigo.  If  the  shoots  are  used  after  they  acquire  a  green  color 
they  will  cause  drastic  purgation.  Alcohol  or  water  wUl  take  up  the 
active  properties  of  this  plant.  Medicinally,  both  the  root  and  the 
leaves  are  valuable,  and  deserve  to  be  better  known  than  they  are  at 
present  as  remedial  agents.  The  virtues  of  the  root  reside  chiefly  in 
the  bark. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  purgative,  emetic,  astringent,  and  anti- 
septic. For  its  antiseptic  qualities  or  properties  it  is  more  highly 
esteemed  than  for  any  other.  A  decoction  of  the  bark  of  the  root  is 
eflBcacious  ia  the  cure  of  all  kinds  of  external  sores  and  ulcerations.  It 
is  used  in  decoction  or  syrup,  for  scarlatiaa,  typhus,  and  aU  oases  where 
there  is  a  tendency  to  putrescency.  As  a  fomentation  it  is  very,  useful 
in  ulcers,  tumors,  sore  nipples,  etc. ,  and  may  be  so  used  if  you  tcannot 
get  a  superior  remedy,  as  the  Herbal  Ointment. 

Done. — Of  the  decoction,  one  tablespoonful  every  two  or  four  hours, 
as  required.  The  decoction  is  made  by  boiling  one  oimce  of  the  pow- 
dered bark  ia  two  pints  of  water  until  they  are  reduced  to  one  pint. 

RED  RASPBERRY  (Rubus  Strigosus.) 

Medicenal  Parts.     TJie  bark  of  the  root,  and  leaves. 

Description. — This  is  a  shrubby,  strongly  hispid  plant,  about  four  feet 
high.  Leaves,  pinnate  ;  leaflets,  oblong-ovate.  Flowers,  white  ;  co- 
rolla, cup-shaped  ;  and  fruit,  a  red  berry,  of  a  rich  deUcious  flavor. 

History. — The  Red  Raspberry  grows  wild,  and  is  common  to  Canada 
and  the  Northern  and  Jliddle  United  States.  It  grows  in  hedges  and 
thickets,  and  upon  neglected  fields.  It  flowers  in  May,  and  its  fruit 
ripens  from  June  to  August.  The  leaves  and  bark  of  the  root  are  the 
parts  used  medicinally.  They  impart  their  properties  to  water,  giving 
to  the  infusion  an  odor  and  flavor  somewhat  similar  to  black  tea. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  very  useful  as  an  astringent.  An  infusion 
or  decoction  of  the  leaves  has  been  found  an  excellent  remedy  in  diar- 
rhoea, dysentery,  and  cholera  infantum,  and  all  diseases  of  a  kindred 
nature.  It  is  somewhat  freely  used  as  a  wash  and  injection  for  leucor- 
rhcea,  gleet,  gonorrhcea,  and  prolapsus  uteri  and  ani.  The  decoction  of 
the  leaves  combined  with  cream  will  suppress  nausea  and  vomiting.  It 
is  sometimes  used  as  an  aid  in  labor,  and  has  been  efficacious  in  promot- 


THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST.  143 

ing  uterine  contractions  when  ergot  has  failed.  This  plant  is  one  of  tho 
ingredients  of  my  prepared  remedy  for  the  above  diseases. 

Dose. — Of  the  decoction,  from  one  to  f oiu-  fluid  ounces,  several  times 
a  day.  Of  the  pulverized  root  bark,  which  is  sometimes  used,  from 
twenty  to  thirty  grains. 

The  liubvs  Tncialij^,  or  Dcirberry,  and  Rubiis  ViUosus,  or  Blackberry, 
contain  similar  medical  qualities,  and  may  be  used  instead. 

RED  ROOT  (Ceanothus  Americanus). 

Common  N.\3ies.     Nmo  Joi-scy  Tea,  VTild  Snow-baM. 

Medicenal  Part.     The  bark  of  the  root. 

Description. — This  plant  has  a  large  root  ^vith  a  red  or  brownish  bark, 
tolerably  thick,  and  body  of  dai'k-red  color.  The  stems  are  from  two 
to  four  feet  high,  slender,  with  many  reddish,  round,  smooth  branches. 
The  leaves  are  ovate  or  oblong-ovate,  serrate,  acuminate,  rather  smooth 
above,  and  cordate  at  the  base.  The  flowers  are  minute  and  white,  and 
fruit  a  dry  capsule. 

History.  — This  plant  is  very  abundant  in  the  United  States,  especially 
in  the  western  portions  thereof.  It  grows  in  dry  woodlands,  bowers, 
etc. ,  and  flowers  from  June  to  Augrist.  The  leaves  are  sometimes  used 
as  a  substitute  for  Chinese  tea,  which,  when  dried,  they  much  resemble. 
The  root,  which  is  officinal,  contains  a  large  amount  of  Prussic  acid. 
Ceanothine  is  the  name  that  has  been  given  to  its  active  principle. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Red  Root  is  astringent,  expectorant,  sedative, 
anti-spasmodic,  and  anti-sj-philitic.  It  is  used  %vith  great  good  efifect  in 
dysentery,  asthma,  chronic  bronchitis,  whooping-cough,  and  consump- 
tion. It  is  also  successfully  used  as  a  gargle  in  aphthse  of  children, 
Bore  mouth  subsequent  to  fevers,  and  sore  throats. 

Dose. — Of  decoction,  one  tablespoonful  three  times  a  day. 

RHATANY  (Krameria  Triaxdri.\). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — The  root  of  this  jilant  is  horizontal,  very  long,  with  a 
thick  bark.  The  stem  is  round  and  procumbent,  branches  two  or  three 
feet  long  ;  when  young,  white  and  silky  ;  when  old,  dark  and  naked. 
The  leaves  are  alternate,  sessile,  oblong  and  obovate,  hoary  and  entire. 
The  flowers  are  red  on  short  stalks.  Calyx  has  four  sepals,  and  corolla 
four  petals.     The  fruit  is  a  dry,  hairy  drupe. 

JLstory. — Rhatany  flowers  all  the  year  round,  and  grows  upon  the 
sandy,  diy,  and  gravelly  hills  of  Peru.  The  root  is  the  officui.al  part, 
and  is  dug  up  iu  lai-ge  quantities  after  the  rains.  It  was  made  officinal 
in  1780  by  Ruiz,  but  long  before  that  the  natives  had  used  it  as  a  strong 


144  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

astringent  for  various  diseases,  afflictions,  maladies,  and  complaints 
In  Portugal,  to  which  the  Peruvians  send  the  bulk  of  the  roots  gathered, 
it  is  used  to  adulterate  red  wines.  The  best  method  of  extracting  the 
medicinal  qualities  of  the  root,  is  to  put  it  powdered  in  a  displacer  and 
pass  water  through.  This  will  bring  a  brick-red  aqueous  solution, 
which  will  embrace  all  the  medicinal  virtues.  There  is  a  false  Rhatany, 
the  source  of  which  is  unknown. 

Properties  and  Uses.  — It  is  a  powerful  astringent,  and  sUghtly  tonic. 
It  is  beneficial  wherever  powerful  astringents  are  required,  and  may  be 
used  to  advantage,  if  properly  prepared,  for  all  diseases  which  call  fot 
the  application  of  a  decided  astringent. 

RHEUaiATISM  ROOT  (Jeffeksonia  Dephylla). 

Common  Names.     Twin-leaf,  Ground-Sqtdrrel  Pea. 

MEDicrNAL  Part.     The  root. 

Descriptio?!. — This  plant  is  perennial,  and  has  a  horizontal  rhizoma  or 
fleshy  root,  with  matted  fibrous  radicles.  The  stem  is  simple,  naked, 
one-flowered,  and  from  eight  to  fourteen  inches  in  height.  The  leaves 
are  in  pairs,  broader  than  long,  ending  in  an  obtuse  point,  smooth  and 
petioled  ;  flowers,  large  and  white  ;  and  fruit  an  obovate  capsule. 

History. — This  plant  is  found  from  New  York  to  Maryland  and  Vir- 
ginia, and  in  many  parts  of  the  Western  States.  It  grows  chiefly  in 
limestone  soU,  but  also  is  found  in  woods  and  near  rivers,  irrespective  of 
limestone,  and  flowers  in  April  and  May.  The  root  is  the  part  used, 
and  its  virtues  are  extracted  by  water  or  alcohol.  A  chemical  analysis 
of  this  plant  showed  it  to  contain  tannic  acid,  gum,  starch,  pectin,  fatty 
resin,  bitter  matter,  similar  to  polygalic  acid,  carbonate  and  sulphate  of 
potassa,  lime,  iron,  magnesia,  silica,  etc. 

Projierties  and  Uses. — It  is  diuretic,  alterative,  antispasmodic,  and  a 
stimulating  diaphoretic.  It  is  successfully  used  in  chronic  rheumatism, 
secondary  or  mercurio-syphilis,  dropsy,  in  many  nervous  affections, 
spasms,  cramps,  nervous  excitability,  etc.  As  a  gargle  it  is  useful  in 
diseases  of  the  throat. 

Dose. — Of  the  decoction,  from  two  to  four  fluid  ounces,  three  or  foui 
times  a  day.  Of  the  saturated  tincture,  from  one  to  three  fluid  drachms, 
three  times  a  day. 

RHUBARB  (RiiEtJM  Palmattim). 

MEnicraAL  Paut.     The  root. 

JJcici'iption. — The  scientific  world  happens  to  be  in  much  argument 
as  to  the  exact  plant  or  plants  from  which  Rhubarb  is  produced.     It  is, 


THE    COJtPLETE    IIERBALISI 


145 


Rheum  Palmatum. 


however,  well  kno-rni  to  all  instructed  herbalists  that  Rhubarb  is  the 
root  of  a  Rheum,  and  that  the  plant 
from  which  the  drnjj  of  the  shops  is 
obtained  chiefly  inhabits  Chinese  Tar- 
tary,  and  grows  wild  on  the  mountains 
and  highlands  of  that  section  of  the 
globe.  Tliat  the  truth  of  its  botanical 
identity  is  not  elicited  is  owing-  to  a 
severe  prohibition  of  the  Chinese  gov- 
ernment. Every  sacrifice  to  obtain  the 
true  plant  or  the  seed  has  been  in  vain. 

History. — There  are  several  varieties 
met  with  in  commerce  termed  the  Rus- 
sian, Chinese,  English,  and  French  Rhubarb,  among  which  the  Russian 
is  considered  the  best.  The  names  are  given,  not  that  they  are  pro- 
duced in  indicated  countries,  but  of  the  channels  by  which  they  are 
thrown  upon  the  market.  Rhubarb  has  a  peculiar  aromatic  odor,  bit- 
ter, faintly  astringent  taste,  and  when  chewed  tinges  the  saliva  yeUow. 
It  contains  oxalate  of  lime  in  abundance. 

Properties  and  Uses.  — Rhubarb  is  cathartic,  astringent,  and  tonic  ;  as 
a  cathartic  it  acts  by  increasing  the  muscular  action  of  the  bowels 
rather  than  augmenting  their  secretions.  It  is  much  used  as  a  laxative 
for  infants,  its  mildness  and  tonic  qualities  making  it  peculiarly  appli- 
cable.    It  is  a  valuable  medicine. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  as  a  purgative,  from  ten  to  thirty  grains.  As 
a  laxative,  from  five  to  ten  grains.  As  a  tonic,  from  one  to  five  grains. 
Of  the  tincture  or  syrup,  one  to  two  fluid  drachms. 


ROSEMARY  (Rosmakinus  Officinalis). 

MEDicnsTAL  Part.     The  tops. 

Description. — Rosemary  is  an  erect,  perennial,  evergreen  shrub,  two 
to  four  feet  high,  with  numerous  branches  of  an  ash  color,  and  densely 
leafy.  The  leaves  are  sessile,  opposite,  and  linear,  over  an  inch  m 
length,  dark-green  and  shining  above,  and  downy.  The  flowers  are 
few,  bright  blue  or  white.     Calyx  purplish. 

History. — Rosemary  is  a  native  of  the  countries  surrounding  the 
Mediterranean,  and  is  cultivated  in  nearly  every  garden  for  ite  fra- 
grance and  beauty.  It  flowers  in  April  and  May.  The  parts  used  m 
medicine  are  the  flowering  tops. 

Proj)erties  and  Uses.— li  is,  stimulant,  antispasmodic,  and  emmena- 
gogue.  The  oil  is  principally  employed  as  a  perfume  for  ointments,  lini- 
ments, and  embrocations. 

Dose. — Of  the  oil,  internally,  from  three  to  six  drops. 
7  K 


146  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

PYROLA  (EouND-LEAVED)  (Pyrola  Rotundifolia), 

Common  Names.  False  Wmtergreen,  tSJiin-kaf,  Canker- Lettuce^ 
Pear-leaf  Wintergreen,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  herb. 

DescHptio-n. — This  is  alow,  perennial,  evergreen  herb.  The  leaves  axe 
radical,  ovate,  nearly  two  inches  in  diameter,  smooth,  shining-,  and 
thick.  The  petioles  are  much  longer  than  the  leaf.  The  flowers  are 
many,  large,  fragi'ant,  white,  and  droopmg.  The  fruit  is  a  five-celled, 
many-seeded  capsule. 

History. — This  plant  is  common  in  damp  and  shady  woods  in  various 
parts  of  the  United  States,  flowering  in  June  and  Jiily.  The  whole  plant 
is  used,  and  imparts  its  medicinal  properties  to  water. 

Properties  and  Ut!e.i. — It  is  astringent,  diuretic,  tonic,  and  antispas- 
modic. The  decoction  is  much  used  in  all  skin  diseases,  and  is  good  to 
eradicate  a  scrofulous  taint  from  the  system.  It  is  used  in  injection  for 
whites  and  various  diseases  of  the  womb.  The  herb  is  applied  with 
profit  as  a  poultice  to  ulcers,  swellings,  boils,  felons,  and  inflammations. 
The  decoction  will  be  found  beneficial  as  a  gargle  for  sore  throat  and 
mouth,  and  as  a  wash  for  sore  or  ophthalmic  eyes.  Administer  ii  inter- 
nally for  gravel,  ulceration  of  the  bladder,  bloody  urine,  and  other 
urinary  diseases  ;  also,  for  epilepsy  and  other  nervous  affections. 

Pose. —  Of  the  decoction,  one  fluid  ounce,  three  times  a  day;  of  the 
extract,  two  to  four  grains. 

SAFFRON  (Dyers')  (Carthamus  Tlnctorius). 

Common  Names.     Safflowei\  Bastard  Saffron. 

Medicinal  Part.     Thejlowers. 

Pescription. — This  annual  plant  has  a  smooth,  striate  stem,  from  one 
to  two  feet  high,  and  branching  at  the  top.  The  leaves  are  alternate, 
ovate-lanceolate,  sessile,  smooth,  and  shining.  The  flowers  arc  numer- 
ous, long,  slender,  and  orange-colored.     Corolla  five-cleft. 

Uistory. — This  plant  is  cultivated  in  England  and  America,  although 
it  is  a  native  of  Egypt  and  the  coimtries  surrounding  the  Mediteminean. 
The  orange-red  florets  are  the  ofiicinal  parts.  The  cultivated  Saftlower 
is  usually  sold  in  the  shops,  and  contains  two  coloring  matters  :  the  first 
of  which  is  yellow  and  soluble  in  water ;  the  second  a  beautiful  red, 
and  readily  soluble  in  alkaline  solutions  only. 

Pnq>ertics  and  Uses. — It  will  restore  the  menstrual  discharge  when 
the  latter  has  been  recently  suppressed  by  cold,  if  used  in  warm  infu- 
sion. It  will  also,  when  taken  in  the  same  form,  produce  an  action  of 
the  bowels.  In  measles,  scarlet  fever,  and  other  eruptive  maladies,  it  is 
also  considered  an  excellent  diaphoretic.  The  seeds  are  sometimes  used 
aa  purgative  and  emmenagoguc,  but,  in  my  opinion,  are  of  no  great 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  147 

value.     The  infusion  is  made  by  iDoiling  a  drachm  or  two  of  the  flowers 
in  water,  and  may  be  taken  tolerably  freely. 

SAGE  (Salvia  Officinalis). 

Common  Name.     Garden  Sage. 

Medicinal  Part.     TJie  leaves. 

Description. — Sage  is  a  plant  with  a  pubescent  stem,  erect  branches, 
hoary  with  down,  leafy  at  the  base,  about  a  foot  or  foot  and  a  half 
long.  The  leaves  are  opposite,  entire,  petioled,  ovate-lanceolate,  the 
lowermost  white,  with  wool  beneath.  The  flowers  are  blue  and  in 
whorls. 

Jlistory.  —  Sage  is  a  native  of  Southern  Europe,  and  has  been  natural- 
ized for  very  many  years  in  this  country  as  a  garden  plant.  The  leaves 
and  tops  should  be  carefully  gathered  and  dried  during  its  flowering 
season,  which  is  in  June  and  July.  They  have  a  peculiar,  strong,  aro- 
matic, camphorous  odor,  and  a  sharp,  wann,  shghtly  bitter  taste,  which 
properties  are  owing  to  its  volatile  oil,  which  may  be  obtained  by  distill- 
ing the  plant  with  water.  It  imparts  its  virtues  to  boiling  water  in  infu- 
sion, but  more  especially  to  alcohol. 

Properties  and  Uses.  — It  is  feebly  tonic,  and  astringent,  expectorant, 
diaphoretic,  and  having  properties  common  to  aromatics.  The  infusion 
is  much  valued  in  cases  of  gastric  debility,  checking  flatulency  with 
speed  and  certainty. 

The  warm  infusion  will  cause  active  diuresis  by  checking  its  diapho- 
retic tendency.  It  is  called  by  some  a  most  capital  remedy  for  sperma- 
torrhoea, and  for  excessive  venereal  desire,  and  I  am  one  of  those  who 
know  from  experience  in  my  practice  that  it  is  grand  for  what  is  termed 
sexual  debility  when  its  use  is  indicated.  The  infusion  is  much  used 
as  a  gargle  for  inflammation  and  ulceration  of  the  throat  and  relaxed 
uvula,  either  alone  or  combined  with  vinegar,  honey,  or  sumach. 

ST.  IGNATIUS'  BEAN  (Ignatius  Amara). 

Description. — The  Ignatius  Amara  is  a  branching  tree  with  long,  ta- 
per, smooth,  scrambling  branches.  The  leaves  are  veiny,  smooth,  and 
a  span  long.  The  flowers  are  long,  nodding,  and  white,  and  smell  Uke 
jasmine.  The  fruit  is  small  and  pear-shaped,  and  the  seeds  number 
about  twenty,  are  angular,  and  are  imbedded  in  a  soft  pulp. 

History. — The  tree  is  indigenous  to  the  Philippine  Islands,  and  the 
seeds  thereof  are  the  St.  Ignatius'  Bean  of  the  drug-shops.  The  bean 
yields  its  properties  best  to  alcohol,  but  wiU  also  yield  them  to  water. 
It  contains  about  one-third  more  strychnia  than  nux-vomica,  but  is  sel- 
dom used  for  the  production  of  strychnia  on  account  of  its  extreme 
scarcity. 

Properties  and   Uses. — Very  similar  to  nux-vomica  seeds,  but  more  en- 


148  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

crgetic.  It  is  used  in  nervous  debility,  amenorrhcBa,  chlorosis,  epilepsy, 
worms,  etc.,  with  partial  good  effect,  but  is  a  dangerous  article  however 
well  prepared,  and  should  be  used  only  by  the  advice  of  a  professional 
gentleman,  upon  whose  truth  and  ability  you  may  place  the  utmost  con- 
fidence.    It  should  not  be  employed  in  domestic  practice. 

Uom. — Of  the  powdered  seed,  one  grain  ;  of  the  alcoholic  extract,  one- 
eighth  of  a  grain. 

ST.  JOHN'S  "SVORT  (Hypericum  Perforatum). 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  tops  and  flowers. 

Description. — This  is  a  beautiful  shrub,  and  is  a  great  ornament  to 
our  meadows.  It  has  a  hard  and  woody  root,  which  abides  in  the 
groiind  many  years,  shooting  anew  every  year.  The  stalks  nin  up  about 
two  feet  high,  spreading  many  branches-,  having  deep-green,  ovate,  ob- 
tuse, and  opposite  leaves,  which  are  full  of  small  holes,  which  are 
plainly  seen  when  the  leaf  is  held  up  to  the  light.  At  the  tops  of  the 
stalks  and  branches  stand  yellow  flowers  of  five  leaves  apiece,  with 
many  yellow  threads  in  the  middle,  which,  being  bruised,  yield  a  red- 
di.sh  juice,  like  blood,  after  which  come  small,  round  heads,  whe^-ein  is 
contained  small  blackish  seed,  smelling  like  resin.  The  fruit  is  a  three- 
celled  capsule. 

History. — This  plant  grows  abundantly  in  this  country  and  Europe, 
and  proves  exceedingly  annoying  to  farmers.  It  flowers  from  June  to 
August.  It  has  a  peculiar  terebinthine  odor,  and  a  balsamic,  bitterish 
taste.     It  yields  its  properties  to  water,  alcohol,  and  ether. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  astringent,  sedative,  and  diuretic.  It 
suppresses  the  urine,  and  is  very  applicable  in  chronic  urinary  affec- 
tions, diarrhoea,  dj-sentery,  jaundice,  monorrhagia,  hysteria,  nervous 
affections,  hemoptysis,  and  other  hemorrhages.  Externally,  in  fomen- 
tation, or  used  as  an  ointment,  it  is  serviceable  in  dispeUing  hard  tumors, 
caked  breasts,  bruises,  etc. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  from  half  a  drachm  to  two  drachms  ;  infusion, 
one  to  two  oimces. 

SANICLE  (Sanicula  Marilandica). 

Common  Name.     Blnck-snake  Boot. 

Medicinai^  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — Sanicle  is  an  indigenous,  perennial  herb,  with  a  smooth, 
furrowed  stem,  from  one  to  three  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  digitate, 
mostly  radical,  and  on  petioles  from  six  to  twelve  inches  long.  Cau- 
line  leaves  few,  and  nearly  sessile.  The  flowers  are  mostly  barren, 
white,  sometimes  yellowish,  feilile  ones  sessile. 

Histortf.—\\,  is  common  to  the  United  States  and  Canada,  and  ia 
found  Lu  low  woods  and  thickets,  flowering  in  June.     The  fibrous  '•oot 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  149 

is  aromatic  in  taste  and  odor.  It  imparts  its  virtues  to  water  and 
alcohol. 

Properties  and  Uses. — In  its  action  upon  the  system  it  resembles 
valerian  very  much,  possessing  nervine  and  anodyne  properties.  Do- 
mestically, it  is  used  with  advantage  in  intermittent  fevers,  sore-throat, 
erysipelas,  and  cutaneous  affections.  It  is  very  efficacious  in  chorea, 
and  is  very  beneficially  employed  in  various  nervous  affections. 

Dose.  — Powder,  one  drachm  ;  decoction,  from  one  to  four  ounces. 

SARSAPARILLA  (Smilax  OFFicraALis). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — The  stem  of  this  plant  is  twining,  angular,  and  prickly, 
the  young  shoots  being  unarmed.  The  leaves  are  ovate-oblong,  acute, 
cordate,  smooth,  and  about  a  foot  long.  The  petioles  are  an  inch  long, 
bearing  tendrils  above  the  base.  Botanically,  nothing  is  known  of  the 
flowers.  This  plant  grows  in  New  Granada,,  on  the  banks  of  the  Magda- 
line,  near  Bajorque.  Great  quantities  are  sent  to  Mompox  and  Cartha- 
gena,  and  from  thence  to  Jamaica  and  Cadiz. 

The  Smilax  Syphilitica^  S.  Papyracea,  S.  Medica^  S.  China,  and  S. 
Sarsaparilla  are  all  members  of  the  same  family  of  plants  ;  their  medi- 
cinal qualities  are  similar,  and  they  form  the  Sarsaparilla  of  commerce, 
with  the  exception  of  the  S.  Sarsaparilla,  which  is  native  to  the  Uni- 
ted States,  flowering  from  May  to  August.  The  American  plant  is  re- 
garded by  some  as  inert,  but  why  so  I  do  not  know.  The  plant  exten- 
sively known  in  the  South  as  Bamboo  Brier,  which  is  but  a  species  of 
Sarsaparilla,  certainly  possesses  medicinal  qualities  equal,  if  not  superior, 
to  commercial  Sarsaparilla.  Professionally,  I  employ  the  Honduras 
Sarsaparilla,  which  I  regard  as  the  best. 

History. — The  Sarsaparilla  of  commerce  consists  of  veiy  long  roots, 
having  a  thick  bark  of  a  grayish  or  brownish  color.  They  have  scarcely 
any  odor,  but  possess  a  mucilaginous  taste.  Those  roots  that  have  a 
deep  orange  tint  are  the  best,  and  the  stronger  the  acrid  and  nauseous 
qualities,  the  better  are  the  properties  of  the  root.  Water  and  alcohol 
extract  its  medicinal  qualities.  By  chemical  analysis  it  contains  sal.'ie- 
parin,  a  coloring  matter,  starch,  chloride  of  potassium,  an  essential  oil, 
bassorin,  albumen,  pectic  and  acetic  acid,  and  the  several  salts  of  lime, 
potassa,  magnesia,  and  oxide  of  iron. 

Properties  and  Use^s. — An  alterative.  When  properly  prepared  it  ex- 
erts a  favorable  change  over  the  system.  It  has  great  repute  in  syphi- 
litic diseases.  In  several  chronic  diseases,  as  of  the  skin,  rheumatic  af- 
fections, passive  dropsy,  etc.,  it  is  of  service.  Its  chief  use,  however, 
is  an  adjuvant  to  other  alteratives  ;  its  individual  properties  being  too 
feeble  to  answer  all  the  conditions  required  of  an  alterative. 

Dose.  —Of  the  powder,  thirty  grains ;  of  the  inf itsiou  or  syrup,  four 
fluid  ounces. 


150  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

SASSAFRAS  (Laurus  Sassafras). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  bark  of  the  root. 

Description. — This  is  a  small  tree,  varj'ing  in  height  from  ten  to  forty 
feet.  The  bark  is  rough  and  grayish,  that  of  the  twigs  smooth  and 
green.  The  leaves  are  alternate,  pctiolate,  bright  green,  very  variable 
in  form,  smooth  above  and  downy  beneath.  The  flowers  appear  before 
the  leaves,  are  small,  greenish-yellow  ;  fruit  an  oval  succulent  drupe. 

History.—  Indigenous  to  North  America,  and  common  to  the  woods 
from  Canada  to  Florida,  and  flowering  in  the  latter  part  of  April  or 
eaxly  in  May.  The  bark  has  an  aromatic,  agreeable  taste,  and  similar 
odor.     It  yields  its  properties  to  hot  water  by  infusion,  and  to  alcohol. 

Proj^erties  and  Uses. — It  is  a  warm,  aromatic  stimulant,  alterative, 
diaphoretic,  and  diuretic.  It  is  much  used  in  alterative  compounds  as  a 
flavoring  adjuvant.  In  domestic  practice  it  enjoys  a  wid-^  field  of  appli- 
cation and  use,  especially  as  a  so-called  spring-renovator  of  the  blood. 

SAVORY  (Summer)  (Satureja  Hortensis). 

Medicinal  Part.     TJie  leaves, 

Descrij)tion. — This  annual  plant  has  a  branching,  bushy  Btem,»about 
eighteen  inches  in  height,  woody  at  the  base,  frequently  changing  to 
purple.  The  leaves  are  numerous,  small,  entire,  and  acute  at  the  end. 
The  flowers  ai'e  pink-colored.  Calyx  tubular,  corolla  bilabiate,  sta- 
mens diverging. 

History.  — It  is  a  native  of  the  south  of  France.  It  is  extensively  cul- 
tivated for  culinary  purposes  in  Europe  and  America,  and  flowers  in 
July  and  August.  The  leaves  are  the  part  employed.  They  have  an 
aromatic  odor  and  taste  analogous  to  those  of  thyme. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  a  stiniulant,  carminative,  and  emmena- 
gogue.  A  warm  infusion  is  beneficial  in  colds,  menstrual  suppression, 
and  wind  colic,  for  which  it  is  a  specific.  The  oil  iuserted  into  the 
<!arious  teeth  will  often  relieve  the  tooth-ache. 

Satureja  Montan.\,  or  Winter  Savory.^  possesses  similar  qualities. 

Dose. — From  two  to  four  ounces  of  the  infusion,  several  times  a  day. 

SCULL-CAP  (Scutellaria  Lateriflora). 

Common  Names.  Blue  Scxdl-Cap.,  Side- Flowering  Scidl-Cap,  Mad- 
Dorjireed,  and  Hood-ioort. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  irhole  plant. 

DeMription. — Scull-cap  has  a  small,  fibrous,  yellow,  perennial  root, 
with  an  erect  and  verj'  branching  stem,  from  one  to  three  feet  iu  height. 
The  loaves  are  on  petioles  about  .an  inch  long,  opposite,  thin,  subcordato 
on  the  stem,  ovate  on  branches,  acuminate,  acute,  and  coarsely  serrate. 
The  flowers  are  sir  all.  and  of  a  pale-bluo  color. 


THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST.  151 

History. — It  is  an  indigenous  herb,  growing  in  damp  places,  meadows, 
ditches,  and  by  the  side  of  ponds,  flowering  in  July  and  August.  The 
whole  plant  is  medicinal,  and  should  be  gathered  while  in  flower,  dried 
in  the  shade,  and  kept  in  well-closed  tin  vessels.  Chemically  it  contains 
an  essential  ofl,  a  yellowish-green  fixed  oil,  chlorophyU,  a  volatile  mat- 
ter, albumen,  an  astringent  principle,  lignin,  chloride  of  soda,  salts  of 
iron,  silica,  etc. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  a  valuable  nervine,  tonic,  and  antispasmodic, 
used  in  chorea,  convulsions,  fits,  delirium  tremens,  and  all  nervous  af- 
fections, supporting  the  nerves,  quieting  and  strengthening  the  system. 
In  delirium  tremens  an  infusion  drunk  freely  mil  soon  produce  a  calm 
sleep.  In  aU  cases  of  nervous  excitabUity,  restlessness,  or  wakefulness, 
etc. ,  it  exerts  beneficial  results. 

Dose. — Of  the  fluid  extract,  from  half  to  a  teaspoonful;  of  the  tinc- 
ture (four  ounces  scull-cap  to  a  pint  oi  dUuted  alcohol),  one  to  two  tea- 
Bpoonfuls  ;  of  the  infusion,  a  wineglassful,  three  times  a  day. 

SENEKA  (PoLYGALA  Senega). 

Common  Name.     Seneca  Snake-Soot. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — This  indigenous  plant  has  a  perennial,  fii-m,  hard,  branch- 
ing root,  with  a  thick  bark,  and  sends  up  several  annual  stems,  which 
are  erect,  smooth,  from  eight  to  fourteen  inches  high,  occasionaUy  tinged 
with  red.  The  leaves  are  alternate,  nearly  sessile,  lanceolate,  with  a 
sharpish  point,  smooth ;  flowers  white ;  calyx  consists  of  five  sepals, 
corolla  of  three  petals ;  and  capsules  are  smaU,  two-ceUed  and  two- 
valved. 

Histoid . — It  is  found  in  various  jDarts  of  the  United  States,  in  rocky 
woods  and  on  hUl-sides,  flowering  in  July.  It  is  more  abundant  in  the 
West  and  South  than  in  the  East.  The  officinal  root  varies  in  size  from 
two  to  four  or  five  lines  in  diameter,  crooked,  and  a  carinate  line  ex- 
tends the  whole  length  of  it.  Its  chemical  constituents  are  polygalic, 
virgineic,  pectic,  and  tannic  acids,  coloring  matter,  an  oil,  cerin,  gum, 
albumen,  salts  of  alumina,  silica,  magnesia,  and  iron. 

Properties  and  Uses. — In  large  doses  emetic  and  cathartic;  in  ordi- 
nary doses  it  stimulates  the  secretions,  acting  particularly  as  a  siala- 
gogue,  expectorant,  diuretic,  diaphoretic,  and  emmenagogue.  In  active 
Inflammatory  diseases  it  should  not  be  employed.  In  protracted  pneu- 
monia, commencing  stages  of  croup,  humoral  asthma,  etc. ,  it  is  a  good 
expectorant. 

Dose. — Powder,  five  to  twenty  grains  ;  infusion  or  syrup,  half  an  ounce 
to  two  ounces ;  polygalic  acid,  one-fourth  to  oae-half  grain. 


152 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


Skunk  Cabbage. 


SKUNK  CABBAGE  (Symplocarpus  Fcetidus). 
Common  Names.     Skunk-weed,  Pole-cat  weed,  Meadow  Cabbage. 
Medicinal  Parts,     llie  rooU  and  seeds. 

Description.  —  This  plant  has  been  a  troublesome  one  for  botanists  to 
classify  ;  but  the  term  Si/mplocarpus  is  now 
generally  preferred.  It  is  perennial,  having  a 
large,  abrupt  root,  or  tuber,  with  numerous 
crowded,  lleshy  fibres,  which  extend  some  dis- 
tance into  the  ground.  The  spa  the  appears 
before  the  leaves,  is  ovate,  spotted,  and  striped, 
puiple  and  yellowish-green,  the  edges  folded 
taward,  and  at  length  coalescing.  The  flowers 
are  numerous,  of  a  dull  purple  within  the 
spathe,  on  a  short,  oval  spadix.  Calyx  consists 
of  four  fleshy,  wedge-shaped  sepals  ;  coroUa, 
none  ;  stamens,  four ;  seeds  round  and  fleshy, 
and  about  as  large  as  a  pea. 

History. — Skunk  Cabbage  is  a  native  of  the 
United  States,  growing  in  moist  grotmds,  flow- 
ering iu  March  and  April,  and  maturing  its*Eruit 
in  August  and  September,  forming  a  rough- 
ened, globular  mass,  two  or  three  inches  ia 
diameter,  and  shedding  its  bullet-like  fruit,  one-third  to  half  an  inch  in 
diameter,  which  are  filled  with  a  singular  solid,  fleshy  embrj^o.  The 
parts  used  are  the  seeds  and  roots,  which  have  an  extremely  disagree- 
able odor,  AVater  or  alcohol  extracts  their  virtues.  Chemically  it  con- 
tains a  fixed  oil,  wax,  starch,  volatile  oil  and  fat,  salts  of  lime,  sUica, 
iron,  and  manganese. 

Pri/perties  and  Uses. — Internally  it  is  a  stimulant,  exerting  expecto- 
rant, antispasmodic,  wdth  slightly  narcotic  influences.  It  is  successfully 
•used  in  asthma,  whooping-coiigh,  nervous  irritability,  hjsteria,  fits,  epi- 
lepsy, convulsions,  chronic  catarrh,  pulmonary  and  bronchial  affections. 
Externally,  La  the  form  of  an  omtment,  it  aids  reparative  processes, 
discusses  tumors,  stimulates  granulations,  eases  pain,  etc.  It  is  an  in- 
gredient in  my  world-renowned  "  Herbal  Ointment."     (See  page  469,) 

Done.  — Fluid  extract,  twenty  to  eighty  drops  ;  tincture  (three  ounces 
of  root  or  seed  to  a  pint  of  alcohol),  half  a  teaspoonful ;  syrup  (two 
ounces  of  fluid  extract  to  eight  ounces  of  simple  syrup),  two  or  three 
tea.-;poonfuls. 

SOAP -WORT  (Saponaria  Officinalis). 
Common  N.^me.     Bouncing  Bet. 
Mkdicinal  Parts.     The  root  and  leaceJt. 
Description. — This  is  a  stout  perennial,  herbaceouB  plant,  with  a  stem 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  153 

from  one  to  two  feet  in  height.  The  leaves  are  lanceolate,  smooth  : 
flowers  are  many,  large,  flesh-colored,  or  pale-pmk,  and  often  double ; 
fruit  an  oblong  one -celled  capsule. 

Ilustory. — This  plant  grows  in  roadsides  and  waste  places  in  Europe 
and  the  United  States.  It  flowers  in  the  early  part  of  July  in  Europe, 
but  in  America  in  the  early  part  of  August.  The  leaves  and  root  are  the 
parts  used  medicinally.  They  have  a  sweet  and  bitter  taste  combined, 
' '  with  a  subsequent  persistent  pungency  and  a  benumbing  sensation. " 
When  the  root  end  leaves  are  subjected  to  the  extractive  powers  of 
water  they  yield  a  residue  something  like  soap-suds.  Their  active  pro- 
perties are  brought  out  by  either  water  or  alcohol — by  the  latter  particu- 
larly.    The  root  gives  a  principle  called  Supmin^  which  is  very  valuable. 

PnyperUes  and  Uses. — It  is  largely  and  valuably  employed  in  the 
treatment  of  diseases  of  the  liver,  scrofulous,  syphilitic,  and  cutaneous 
afliictions  of  a  severe  character ;  also  catarrh,  rheumatism,  gonorrhoea, 
whites,  and  green  sickness.  Saponin  can  be  prepared  only  by  a  com- 
petent herbal  chemist.  In  its  absence  use  decoctions  of  the  leaves  and 
roots.  Dose  of  tne  decoction,  from  one  to  two  fluid  ounces,  three  times 
a  day.  I  employ  the  saponaceous  qualities  of  this  plant,  which  I  ex- 
tract from  the  root  by  chemical  processes  in  my  laboratory,  as  a  con' 
Btituent  of  my  "  Renovating  Pill."     (See  page  469.) 

SOLOMON'S  SEAL  (Convallaria  Multiflora). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — The  stem  of  this  plant  is  smooth,  from  one  to  four  feet- 
high,  and  growdng  from  a  perennial  root.  The  leaves  are  alternate, 
lanceolate,  smooth,  and  glossy  above,  paler  and  pubescent  beneath; 
flowers  greenish-white,  and  fruit  a  dark-blue  or  blackish  beiTy.  There 
is  another  variety,  the  Convallaria  Racemosn.,  the  root  of  which  posses- 
ses similar  qualities  to  that  of  Solomon's  Seal. 

History. — Both  plants  are  to  be  found  throughout  the  United  States 
and  Canada.  They  flower  from  May  to  August.  The  root,  which  is 
the  part  used,  is  inodorous,  but  has  a  sweetish  mucilaginous  taste,  which 
is  followed  by  a  slight  sense  of  bitterness. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  root  is  tonic,  mucilaginous,  and  astringent. 
The  decoction  is  successfully  used  in  whites,  pectoral  affections,  meuor- 
rhagia,  female  debility,  inflammation  of  the  stomach  and  intestines 
erysipelas,  neuralgia,  itch,  local  inflammations,  etc.  Dose  of  the  decoc- 
tion, one  to  tliree  ounces,  three  times  a  day. 

SORPtEL  (Wood)  (Oxalis  Acetosella). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  wJtole  herh. 

De^scription. — This  is  a  smaU  perennial  herb,  with  a  creeping  and 
scaly-toothed  root-stock.      The  leaves  are  numerous,  radical,  and  on 

7* 


154 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


long,  weak,  hairy  stalks ;  leaflets  broadly  obcordate,  and  of  yeUowish- 
gxeen  color.  Flowers  white,  yellowish  at  the  base,  and  scentless.  Fruit 
a  five-lobed,  oblong  capsule. 

History. — It  is  indigenous  to  Eiirope  and  this  country,  growing  in 
woody  and  shady  places,  and  flowering  from  April  to  J\ine.  It  is  in- 
odorous, and  has  a  pleasantly  acid  taste.  The  acidity  is  due  to  oxalic 
acid,  which,  in  combination  with  jwtassa,  forms  the  binoxolate  of  that 
alkali.  The  '■'■Salts  of  Sorrel"  formerly  so  much  used  to  remove  tnk- 
epots  and  iron-marks  from  linen,  is  merely  this  salt  separated  from  the 
plant. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Cooling  and  diuretic  ;  useful  in  febrile  diseases, 
hemorrhages,  gonorrhoea,  chronic  catarrh,  urinary  affections,  scurvy, 
etc.     Care  is  to  be  obseiwed  in  its  use. 

RuMEX  AcETOSA,  or  Garden  Sorrel^  RujfEX  Acetosella,  or  She&p 
Soi'rd,  and  Rumex  Vesicarius  possess  similar  qualities. 

SQUIRTING  CUCUIMBER  (Momordica  Elaterium). 

Medicinal  Part.     71ie  feculence  of  the  juice  of  tiie  fruit. 

Description. — This  hispid  and  glaucous  plant  has  several  stems  grow- 
ing from  the  same  root.  The  leaves  are  cordate,  .Some- 
what lobed,  and  on  long  stalks.  Flowers  monoecious  and 
yellow.  Fruit  oblong,  obtuse  at  each  end,  separating  from 
its  sialk  with  violence,  and  expelling  its  seeds  and  mucus 
with  considerable  force,  in  consequence  of  the  sudden  con- 
traction of  the  sides. 

History. — This  plant  is  indigenous  to  the  south  of  Eu- 
rope, growing  in  poor  soils,  in  waste  places,  and  flowering 
in  Jidy.  The  jitice  around  the  seeds  is  the  officinal  part, 
and  which,  when  properly  prepared,  forms  the  Elaterium 
of  commerce.  It  must  be  collected  a  little  before  the 
period  of  ripening. 

Prf/jiertie^s  and  Uses. — It  is  an  energetic  hj^lragogue 
cathai'tic,  operating  with  great  violence  in  doses  of  a  few 
grains,  and  very  apt  to  cause  diffuse  inflammation  of  the 
stomach  and  bowels,  characteiized  by  vomitiug,  gripiug 
pain,  and  profuse  diarrhoea.  It  is  used  chiefly  in  obstin.ate 
dropsy,  and  as  a  revulsive  in  cerebral  affections,  or  wher- 
ever a  revcllent  effect  is  desired.  Owing  to  its  active 
cathartic  properties,  it  is  always  best  to  commence  with 
veiy  smaU  doses,  from  the  uncertainty  of  tlie  preparatioix. 

Dose.  — From  one-eighth  to  one-half  a  giaiii. 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  155 

STAK-GRASS  (Aletris  Farinosa), 

Common  Names.     Colic-root^  Ague-root^  Crow-corn^  Unicorn  root,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — This  plant  has  a  perennial  root,  with  radical  leaves, 
sessile,  lying  flat  on  the  ground,  ribbed,  broad,  lanceolate,  smooth,  the 
large  ones  being  about  four  inches  long.  The  flower-stem  is  from  one 
to  three  feet  high,  erect  and  simple,  bearing  a  bell-shaped  flower,  which, 
as  it  grows  old,  has  a  wrinkled,  mealy  appearance.  The  fruit  is  a  tri- 
angular capsule. 

History. — It  is  indigenous  to  North  America,  growing  in  low  groiLuds, 
Bandy  soils,  and  at  the  edges  of  woods.  Its  flowers  are  white,  and  ap- 
pear from  May  to  August.  The  root  is  the  part  used.  Alcohol  is  the 
best  solvent. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Its  root,  when  thoroughly  dried,  is  an  intensely 
bitter  tonic,  and  in  decoction  or  tincture  is  of  great  utility  in  dyspep- 
sia, general  or  local  debility,  flatulent  colic,  hysteria,  etc.  It  greatly 
strengthens  the  female  generative  organs,  affording  protection  against 
miscaiTiage  ;  and  in  chlorosis,  amenorrhoea,  dysmenorrhoea,  engorged 
condition  of  the  uterus,  prolapsus  of  that  organ,  is  a  very  superior  vege- 
table agent. 

Dose. — Of  the  powdered  root,  from  five  to  ten  grains,  three  times  a 
day;  of  the  saturated  tincture,  five  to  fifteen  drops. 

STILLINGIA  (Stillingia  Sylvatica). 

Common  Names.  Queen^s  Boot,  Queen's  Delight,  Tawroot,  and 
Sikcr-leaf. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — This  perennial  herb  has  a  glabrous,  somewhat  angled 
stem,  from  two  to  four  feet  high,  which,  when  broken,  gives  out  a  milky 
sap.  The  leavcH  are  sessile,  somewhat  leathery,  and  tapering  at  the 
base.  The  flowers  are  yellow,  and  arranged  on  a  temiiaal  spike.  Fruit 
a  three-grained  ca^Dsule. 

History.  Queen's  Root  grows  in  sandy  soils,  and  is  a  native  of  the 
southern  jjart  of  the  United  States.  The  root  is  the  part  used.  It 
should  be  used  as  soon  after  being  gathered  as  possible,  as  age  impairs 
its  properties.  The  latter  yield  to  water,  but  are  better  extracted  by 
diluted  alcohol.  Its  properties  appear  to  be  owing  to  a  very  acrid  oil, 
known  as  the  Oil  of  Stillingia. 

Froperties  and  Uses. — In  large  doses  stillingia  vomits  and  purges,  ac- 
companied wnth  more  or  less  prostration  of  the  system.  In  less  doses 
it  is  an  alterative,  exerting  an  influence  over  the  secretory  functions 
vmsui-passed  hj  any  other  known  alterative.  It  is  very  extensively  used  in 
all  the  varioiis  forms  of  primary  and  secondary  syphilitic  affections  ;  also 
in  scrofulous,  heimtic,  and  cutaneous  affections  ;  also,  with  combinations 


156  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

of  anise  or  caraway,  for  laryngitis  and  bronchitis.  The  oil,  unless  well 
mcorporated  with  some  mucilaginous  or  saccharine  substance,  should 
never  be  used  iaternally.  This  great  alterative  is  one  of  the  principal 
"sonstituents  in  my  "  Blood  Puritier."     See  page  460. 

Dose. — Tincture,  half  a  drachm  to  a  drachm  ;  decoction,  one  or  two 
ounces. 

STONEROOT  (Collinsonia  Canadensis). 

Common  Names.  Hardhack^  Uorscweed.,  Jleal-aU^  Richweed,  Ox- 
balm,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     Thejilant. 

Description. — This  jilant  has  a  knobby  root,  and  a  four-sided  stem, 
from  one  to  four  feet  in  height.  The  leaves  are  thin,  broadly  ovate, 
acuminate,  coarsely  serrate,  from  six  to  eight  inches  long,  and  from  two 
to  four  broad.  Flowers  large,  corolla  greenish-yellow ;  stamens  two, 
aaid  very  long  ;  seeds  four,  of  which  two  or  three  are  sterile. 

History. — This  plant  grows  in  moist  woods  from  Canada  to  Carolina, 
and  flowers  from  July  to  September.  The  whole  plant  has  a  strong 
odor  and  a  pungent  and  spicy  taste.  The  odor  of  the  fresh  root  is 
slightly  disagreeable.  The  whole  plant  is  generally  used,  and  ha$  its 
value.  The  chief  virtues  of  the  plant  are,  however,  concentrated  in*  the 
root,  which  'should  always  be  used  when  fresh.  Its  active  principle  is 
CoUiiisonin,  which  name  is  derived  from  its  discoverer,  Peter  Colliason. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  used  with  good  effect  in  chronic  catarrh 
of  the  bladder  (as  are  other  plants  mentioned  elsewhere),  whites,  and 
weak  stomach.  It  exerts  a  strong  influence  over  all  the  mucous  tissues. 
It  is  a  very  fair  stimulant,  and  a  gentle  tonic  and  diuretic.  The  prepa- 
ration caUed  CoUinsonin  is  very  valuable  as  a  remedy  for  hemoiThoids, 
and  all  other  diseases  of  the  rectum,  and  for  such  aftlictions  I  recom- 
mend it  highly.  It  is  chiefly  used  in  inveterate  and  chronic  cases.  The 
largest  dose  is  five  grains  ;  the  average  dose  two  grams.  The  iofusion 
or  decoction  of  the  plant  may  be  moderately  used  without  additional 
remedies,  and  in  some  instances  so  may  the  ColUnsonin ;  but  in  about 
every  case  a  skilful  combination  of  the  latter  with  other  standard  prepa- 
rations is  necessary  to  insure  easy  and  speedy  restoration  to  good  health. 
Stoneroot  is  used  externally — the  leaves  particularly — in  fomentation 
and  poultice,  and  bruises,  wounds,  blows,  sprains,  contusions,  cuts,  ul- 
cers, sores,  etc.  I  cjmnot  call  the  attention  of  the  reader  too  strongly  to 
the  effect  the  preparation  called  CoUinsonin  has  ujion  all  affections  of  the 
urinary  organs.     It  should  be  combined  with  other  indicated  remedies. 

SUMACH  (Rnus  Glabrum). 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  bark  and  fruit. 

Descriptian. — Sumach  is  a  shrub,  from  six  to  fifteen  feet  high,  con- 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  157 

Bisting  of  many  straggling'  brandies,  covered  with  a  pale-gray  bark,  hav- 
ing occasionally  a  reddish  tint.  The  leaves  are  alternate,  consist  of  from 
six  to  fifteen  leaflets,  which  are  lanceolate,  acuminate,  acutely  serrate, 
shining  and  green  above,  whitish  beneath,  becoming  red  in  the  fall. 
The  flowers  are  greenish  red,  and  fruit  a  small  red  drupe,  hanging  in 
clusters,  with  a  crimson  down,  extremely  soiu*  to  the  taste,  which  is  due 
to  malate  of  lime. 

History. — Sumach  grows  in  the  thickets  and  waste  grounds  of  Canada 
and  the  United  States.  It  flowers  in  June  and  July,  but  matures  its 
fruit  in  September  and  October.  The  bark  and  berries  are  officinal. 
The  berri<  s  should  be  gathered  before  rains  have  washed  away  the  acid 
properties  which  reside  in  their  external,  downy  efllorescence.  Both 
the  bark  and  berries  yield  their  active  influence  to  water.  Great  care 
is  to  be  taken  in  the  selection  of  several  species  of  Rhus,  as  many  of 
them  are  highly  poisonous. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  berries  are  refrigerant  and  diuretic;  the 
bark  is  tonic,  astringent,  and  antiseptic.  The  bark  of  the  root  has 
sometimes  been  used  with  success  in  decoction  or  syrup  as  a  palliative 
of  gonorrhoea,  leucorrhoea,  diarrhoea,  hectic  fever,  dysentery,  and  scrof- 
ula. Combined  with  the  barks  of  white  pine  and  slippery  elm,  in  cer- 
tain particular  doses  of  decoction,  it  will,  with  other  very  simple  treat- 
ment, cure  syphilis. 

Dose. — From  one  to  three  fluid  ounces  of  the  decoction  of  bark.  Of 
the  infusion  of  berries,  from  one  to  four  fluid  ounces. 

SWAMP  BEGGARS'   TICK  (Bidens  Connata). 

Medicinal  Parts.     The  root  and  seeds. 

Description. — This  herb  has  a  smooth  stem,  from  one  to  three  feet 
high.  The  leaves  are  lanceolate,  opposite,  serrate,  acuminate,  and  de- 
current  on  the  petiole.  Flowers,  terminal ;  florets,  yeUow  ;  and  fruit, 
a  wedge-formed  achcnium. 

Ilistoi'y.  —This  is  a  common  weed,  f  oiind  in  wet  grounds,  rich  fields, 
swamps,  and  ditches,  from  New  England  to  Missouri.  It  flowers  in  Au- 
gust. The  root  and  seeds  are  employed  medicinally,  and  may  be  used 
in  decoction,  infusion,  or  tincture. 

Pro])erties  and  Uses. — The  root  and  seeds  are  emmenagogue  and  ex- 
pectorant ;  the  seeds,  in  powder  or  tincture,  have  been  used  in  ame- 
norrhoea,  dysmenorrhoea,  and  some  other  uterine  derangements,  and  an 
infusion  of  the  root  has  proved  beneficial  in  severe  cough.  It  has  been 
used  wdth  great  success  for  palpitation  of  the  heart,  and  for  croup.  For 
this  latter  aflliction  a  strong  infusion  of  the  leaves,  sweetened  with 
honey,  and  administered  in  tablespoonful  doses  every  fifteen  minutes 
until  vomiting  is  produced,  is  regarded  a  cure.  The  leaves  heated  to 
the  form  of  a  poultice  and  laid  upon  the  throat  and  chest  in  cases  of 


158  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

bronchial  and  laryngeal  attacks  from  exposure  to  cold,  etc.,  are  very 
beneficial. 

BiDENS  BiPiNNATA,  or  Sjm7m7i  JVeedles,  and  Bidens  Frondosa,  or 
Beggar  Tick,  can  be  employed,  medically,  the  same. 

SWEET  GUM  (LiQuiDAMBAR  Styraciflua). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  concrete  juice. 

Bescnption.  — The  Sweet  Gum  tree  grows  to  the  height  of  from  fifty 
to  sixty  feet.  Its  bark  is  gray  and  deeply  furrowed,  and  there  are  corky 
ridges  on  the  branches  ;  the  leaves  are  palmate,  rounded,  smooth,  and 
shining,  fragrant  when  bruised,  and  turn  a  deep  red  in  the  fall.  Fruit, 
a  kind  of  strobUe. 

History. — This  tree  is  very  abundant  in  the  Southern  and  Middle 
States,  and  can  be  found  in  the  moist  woods  of  nearly  all  parts  of  the 
Union.  From  incisions  made  in  the  tree  a  gum  exudes  which  is  resin- 
ous and  adhesive,  and  somewhat  like  white  tiu'pentLne  in  appearance. 

Properties  and  Uses. — As  a  remedy  for  catarrhs,  coughs,  and  pulmo- 
naiy  affections  generally,  it  is  without  an  equal,  although  physicians  g^en- 
erally  do  not  use  it  in  their  practice.  It  is  also  very  valuable  for  fever- 
sores,  fistula,  scrofula,  etc. ,  when  made  into  an  ointment.  * 

Dose. — The  dose  internally  is  from  ten  to  twenty  grains,  according  to 
circumstances. 

TACAIVIAHAC  (Popultts  Balsamipera). 

Common  Name.     Balsam  Po^ilar. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  buds. 

Bescription. — This  tree,  also  called  Tacamahac  Poplar,  attains  the 
height  of  from  fifty  to  seventy  feet,  with  a  trunk  about  eighteen  inches 
in  diameter.  The  branches  are  smooth,  round,  and  deep  brown.  The 
leaves  arc  ovate,  gradually  tapering,  and  pointed,  deep-green  above,  and 
smooth  on  both  sides. 

History. — This  tree  is  found  in  Siberia,  and  in  the  northern  parts  of 
the  United  States  and  Canada.  In  America  it  is  in  blossom  in  AprU. 
The  leaf-buds  are  the  officinal  part.  They  should  be  collected  in  the 
spring,  in  order  that  the  fragrant  resinoiis  matter  with  which  they  are 
covered  may  be  properly  separated  in  boiling  water,  for  upon  this  their 
virtues  depend.  They  have  an  agreeable,  inccnse-like  odor,  and  an  un- 
pleasant, bitteri.sh  taste.  The  balsamic  juice  is  collected  in  Canada  in 
shells,  and  sent  to  Europe  under  the  name  of  Tacamahaca.  Alcohol,  or 
spirits,  is  the  proper  solvent.  The  Poptdiis  Balsamifera  is  generally 
confounded  with  the  Populus  Candicaiis,  from  whose  buds  we  get  the 
virtues  known  as  the  Balm  of  Gilcad  ;  but  it  is  much  the  superior  tree 
Jor  medical  purposes. 

Properties  a/ui  Uses. — The  buds  are   stimulant,   tonic,   diuretic,  and 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  159 

anti-scorbutic.  In  tincture  they  have  been  beneficially  employed  in 
affections  of  the  stomach  and  kidneys,  and  in  scurvy  and  rheumatism. 
Sometimes  they  are  applied  in.  that  form  as  a  remedy  for  affections  of 
the  chest.  The  bark  is  known  to  be  tonic  and  cathartic,  and  wiU  prove 
of  seivice  in  gout  and  rheumatism. 

Dose. — Of  a  tiucture  of  the  buds,  from  one  to  four  fluid  drachms  ;  of 
an  extract  of  the  bark,  five  to  fifteen  grains,  three  times  a  day. 

PoPULUS  Tremuloides,  W/iite  Poplar^  or  Aspen,  the  well-known 
tree,  furnishes  us  with  Populiii  and  Salaciii ;  and  is  tonic  and  febrifuge, 
useful  in  intemiittents.  It  has  also  good  diuretic  properties,  and  is 
beneficial  in  urinary  affections,  gonorrhoea,  gleet,  etc. 

TANSY  (Tanacetum  Vulgare). 

MEDicrNAL  Part.     The  herb. 

Description. — Tansy  has  a  perennial  creeping  root,  and  an  erect  herba- 
ceous stem,  one  to  three  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  smoothish,  dark- 
green  ;   flowers,  golden-yellow  ;  fruit,  an  achenium. 

nistory. — Indigenous  to  Europe,  but  has  been  introduced  iuto  this 
country  and  cultivated  by  many ;  but  grows  also  spontaneously  in  old 
grounds,  along  roads,  flowering  in  the  latter  part  of  summer.  Drying 
impairs  much  of  the  activity  of  the  plant.  It  contains  volatile  oil,  wax, 
stearine,  chlorophyll,  bitter  resin,  yellow  coloring  matter,  tannin  with 
gaUic  acid,  bitter  extractive  gum,  and  tanacetic  acid,  which  is  crystaUi- 
zable  and  precipitates  Hme,  baiyta,  and  oxide  of  lead. 

Projierties  and  Uses. — It  is  tonic,  emmenagogue,  and  diaphoretic.  In 
small  doses,  the  cold  infusion  will  be  found  useful  in  convalescence  from 
exhausting  diseases,  dyspepsia,  hysteria,  and  jaundice.  The  warm  in- 
fusion is  diaphoretic  and  emmenagogue.  It  bears  a  good  reputation  in 
Buppressed  menstruation,  but  should  be  used  only  when  the  suppression 
is  due  to  morbid  causes. 

THYME  (Thymus  Vulgaris;. 

Medicnal  Part.     The  herb. 

Description. — Thyme  is  a  small  undershrub,  with  numerous  erect 
stems,  procumbent  at  base,  and  from  six  to  ten  inches  in  height.  The 
leaves  are  oblong-ovate,  lanceolate,  and  numerous.  The  flowers  are 
bluish-purple,  small,  and  arranged  on  leafy  whorled  spikes. 

History. — A  native  of  Europe,  but  introduced  into  this  country,  and 
extensively  cultivated  in  gardens  for  culinary  purposes.  It  blossoms  in 
the  summer,  when  it  should  be  collected  and  carefully  dried.  It  has  a 
strong,  pungent,  spicy  taste  and  odor,  both  of  which  are  retained  by  care- 
ful drying.     The  herb  yields  its  properties  to  boiling  water  and  alcohol. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Tonic,  carminative,  emmenagogue,  and  anti- 
epasmodic.     The  cold  infusion  is  beneficial  in  dyspepsia  with  weak  and 


IGO  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

irritable  stomach.  The  warm  infusion  is  useful  as  a  parturient,  also  in 
hysteria,  dysmenorrhcEa,  flatulence,  colic,  and  to  promote  perspiration. 
The  leaves  are  used  externally  in  fomentation. 

The  Thymus  Serpyllus,  Wild  Tliijmc  or  Mother  of  Thyme,  has  simi- 
lar virtues  to  the  above. 

TOLU  (Myrospermum  Toluiferum). 

Medicinal  Part.     The  haUnmic  exudation. 

DeacHption. — A  full  botanical  description  of  this  tree  has  not  yet  been 
given,  but  it  is  supposed  that  it  is  similar  to  the  Balsam  of  Peru  tree, 
differing  only  in  the  leaflets,  which  in  this  tree  are  thin,  membranous, 
obovate,  taper-pointed ;    the  terminal  ones  larger  than  the  others. 

History. — It  is  a  tree  which  gi-ows  throughout  the  forests  of  South 
America,  especially  on  the  elevated  parts  near  Carthagena,  Tolu,  and 
in  the  ]\Iagdaleua  provinces  of  Columbia.  The  balsam  is  obtained  by 
makmg  incisions  into  the  tree,  and  which  flows  into  wax  vessels.  It 
is  exported  from  Carthagena  in  tin,  earthen,  and  other  vessels.  It  has 
a  pale,  yellowish-red  or  brown  color,  solid  and  brittle,  an  agreeable 
vanilla-like  odor,  and  a  sweetish  aromatic  taste.  It  is  soluble  in  alco- 
hol, ether,  and  essential  oils.  ♦ 

Projwrties  and  Uses. — It  is,  like  Balsam  of  Pcni,  a  stimulant,  tonic, 
and  expectorant,  and  cannot  be  equalled  for  its  curative  effects  in  cases 
of  consumption,  catarrh,  bronchitis,  asthma,  and  all  inflammatory,  ulcer- 
ated, spasmodic,  or  other  morbid  conditions  of  the  resijiratory  organs 
and  their  adjuncts.  The  balsam  dissolved  in  ether,  and  the  vapor 
therefrom  inhaled,  is  reported  beneficial  in  coughs  and  bronchial  affec- 
tions of  long  standing,  and  I  have  no  doubt  it  is  so,  as  its  virtues  in  such 
complaints  are  very  wonderful. 

TUEKEY  CORN  (Corydalis  Formosa). 

Common  Names.      Wild  Turkey-fea,  Stagger-weed,  Clwice  Didytra. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Description. — This  indigenous  perennial  plant  has  a  tuberous  root, 
and  a  stem  from  six  to  ten  inches  in  height.  The  leaves  are  radical, 
rising  from  ten  to  fifteen  inches  high,  and  somewhat  triteiiiate.  The 
scape  is  naked,  eight  to  twelve  inches  high,  and  bearing  from  six  to  ten 
reddi.sh-i)ur])le  nodding  flowers.  The  fruit  is  a  i)od-shaped,  many- 
Beeded  capsule. 

IIi.st'>ry. — This  beautiful  little  plant  flowers  veiy  early  in  the  si)rLag, 
and  the  root  should  only  be  gathered  while  the  phuit  is  in  flower.  It 
grows  in  rich  soil,  on  hills,  among  rocks,  and  old  decayed  timber,  and  is 
found  westward  and  south  of  New  York  to  North  Carolina.  The  alka- 
loid, Corydalia,  is  the  active  priuci])le. 

Froperties  and  Uses. — Tonic,  diuretic,  and  alterative.     In  all  sj-'phi* 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  161 

Utic,  scrofulous,  and  cachectic  conditions  it  is  one  of  tlie  best  remedies. 
Its  tonic  properties  render  it  valuable  as  an  alterative  in  all  enfeebled 
conditions.  Its  tonic  properties  are  similar  to  Gentian,  Columbo,  and 
other  pure  bitters.  Its  magical  properties  as  an  alterative  renders  it 
one  of  the  most  valuable  remedies  in  the  whole  range  of  medicine.  Cory- 
dalia  may  be  substituted  for  the  herb.  It  is  one  of  the  ingredients  in 
my  "  Blood  Purifier."     (See  page  469.) 

Dose. — Of  the  infusion,  one  to  four  ounces  ;  saturated  tincture,  half  to 
two  drachms  ;  corydalia,  one-half  to  a  grain. 

VALERIAN  (Valeriana  Officinalis). 

Common  Name.     Great  ^Ylld  Valerian. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  root. 

Descnj)tion. — This  is  a  large  herb,  with  a  perennial,  tuberous,  fetid 
root,  most  aromatic  when  growing  in  dry  pastures,  and  a  smooth,  hohow, 
furrowed  stem,  about  four  feet  in  height.  The  leaves  are  pinnate,  oppo- 
site ;  leaflets,  from  seven  to  ten  pairs,  lanceolate,  coarsely  serrated,  and 
on  long  foot-stalks.       The  tlowers  are  flesh-colored,  small,  and  fragrant. 

Jlifttory. — Valerian  is  a  European  plant,  growing  in  wet  places,  or  even 
in  dry  pastures,  flowering  in  June  and  July.  Several  varieties  grow  in 
America,  and  are  used,  but  the  English  Valerian  is  by  all  odds  the  best. 
The  ofRcinal  part  is  the  root.  The  taste  of  the  root  is  warm,  camphora- 
ceous,  slightly  bitter,  somewhat  acrid,  and  nauseous.  The  odor  is  not 
considerable  ;  it  is  fetid,  characteristic,  and  highly  attractive  to  cats, 
and,  it  is  said,  to  rats  also.  Besides  valerianic  acid  the  root  contains 
starch,  albumen,  valerianin,  yellow  extractive  matter,  balsamic  resin, 
mucilage,  valerianate  of  potassa,  malates  of  potassa  and  lime,  and  phos- 
phate of  lime  and  silica. 

Proj)e)'ties  and  Uses. — Valerian  excites  the  cerebro-spinal  system.  In 
large  doses  it  causes  headaches,  mental  excitement,  visual  illusions,  gid- 
diness, restlessness,  agitation,  and  even  spasmodic  movements.  In 
medicinal  doses  it  acts  as  a  stimulating  tonic,  anti-spasmodic,  and  cal- 
mative. It  is  temporarily  beneficial  in  all  cases  where  a  nervous  stim- 
ulant is  required.  The  extract  is  worthless.  The  infusion  and  fluid  ex- 
tract contain  all  the  virtues  of  the  plant. 

Dose.— Of  the  infusion,  one  or  two  fluid  ounces,  as  often  as  may  be 
prescribed  by  a  physician. 

VANILLA  (Vanilla  Aromatica). 

Medicinal  Part.     TJie  fruit  or  pods. 

Descrifition. —  Vanilla  Aromatica  is  a  shrubby,  climbing,  aerial  para- 
site, growing  in  the  clefts  of  rocks,  or  attaching  itself  to  the  trunks  of 
trees.  It  suspends  itself  to  contiguous  objects,  and  is  truly  an  aerial 
plant.     The  stem  is  round,  about  as  thick  as  the  finger,  from  twenty  to 


162  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

thirty  feet  in  length,  and  oftener  thicker  at  the  summit  than  at  the  base. 
The  leaves  are  alternate,  oblong,  entire,  on  short  petioles,  green,  fleshy, 
and  pointed  by  a  species  of  abortive  tendril.  The  flowers  are  yellowish 
white.  The  fniit  is  a  species  of  bean,  yellow  or  bu£E  color,  of  an  agreea- 
ble aromatic  odor ;  the  beans  must  be  dried  with  care  or  they  will  loBe 
their  properties. 

History. — Vanilla  grows  in  Mexico  and  other  parts  of  tropical  South 
America.  There  are  several  species  which  are  supposed  to  furnish  the 
Vanilla  of  commerce.     It  yields  its  virtues  to  water  or  alcohol. 

Properties  and  Uses. — It  is  an  aromatic  stimulant,  and  is  used,  in  in- 
fusion, in  hysteria,  rheumatism,  and  low  forms  of  fever.  It  is  also 
called  an  aphrodisiac,  powerfully  exciting  the  generative  system.  Va- 
nilla is  said  to  exhilarate  the  brain,  jDrevent  sleep,  increase  muscular  en- 
ergj^,  and  stimulate  the  sexual  propensities. 

WAFER-ASH  (Ptelea  Trifoliata). 

CoirMON  Names.      Wing-seed.,  Shrubby  Trefoil,  Swamp  Dogwood,  etc. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  bark  of  the  root. 

Description.  — This  is  a  shrub  from  six  to  eight  feet  in  height,  wiih  the 
leaves  trifoliate,  and  marked  with  pellucid  dots  ;  the  leaflets  are  sessile, 
ovate,  shortly  acuminate,  downy  beneath  when  young.  The  flowers  are 
polygamous,  greenish-white,  nearly  half  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  of 
disagreeable  odor.  Stamens,  mostly  four ;  style  short,  and  fruit  a  two- 
celled  samara. 

History.  — Wafer- Ash,  or  Ptelea,  is  a  shrub  common  to  America,  grow- 
ing raost  abundantly  west  of  the  AUeghanies,  in  shady,  moist  places 
and  edges  of  woods,  and  also  in  rocky  places.  It  flowers  in  June.  The 
bark  of  the  root  is  officinal,  and  yields  its  virtues  to  boiling  water. 
Alcohol,  however,  is  its  best  solvent.     Ptelein  is  its  active  principle. 

Propen'ties  and  Uses. — It  is  especially  tonic  and  unirritating.  It  is 
said  to  be  very  useful  as  a  promoter  of  the  appetite,  and  as  a  remedy  for 
general  debUity.  It  wfll  be  tolerated  by  the  stomach  when  other  tonics 
are  rejected.  Some  think  it  equal,  in  cases  of  fever  (intennittent),  to 
quinia.     In  convalescence  from  fever  it  serves  an  admirable  pur|>ose. 

Dose. — Of  the  powder,  ten  to  thirty  grains  ;  of  the  tincture,  one  or  two 
drachms ;  of  the  extract,  live  to  ten  grains  ;  ptelein,  one  or  two  grains. 

WALNUT  (WuiTE),  (JUGL.VNS  Cinerea). 

Common  Names.     Butternut,  Oil  Nut,  etc. 

Medic rN.\L  Parts.     Inner  bark  of  the  root,  and  leaves. 

Description. — This  indigenous  tree  attains  a  height  of  from  thirty  to 
fifty  feet,  with  a  trunk  about  four  feet  in  diameter ;  the  ljranch(!s  are 
wide-spreading,  and  covered  with  a  smooth  gray  bark.  The  leaves  are 
alternate,  twelve  to  twenty  inches  long,  and  consist  of  seven  or  eight 


THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 


163 


pairs  of  leaflets,  which  are  oblong-lanceolate,  and  finely  serrate.  Male 
and  female  flowers  distinct  upon  the  same  tree.  Fruit  a  dark-colored 
hard  nut,  kernel  oily,  pleasant-flavored,  and  edible. 

JtJGL AN s  Nigra,  ox  Black  Walnut,  a  well-kno^vn  tree,  is  also  medicinal. 

History. — Butternut  is  found  throughout  the  New  England,  Middle, 
and  Western  States,  on  cold,  uneven,  rooky  soils,  flowering  in  April  and 
May,  and  maturing  its  fruit  at  or  about  the  middle  of  autumn.  Its 
officinal  parts  are  its  leaves  and  the  inner  bark  of  the  root.  The  latter 
should  be  gathered  from  April  to  July.  It  contains  resin,  fixed  oil,  sac- 
charine matter,  lime,  potassa,  a  peculiar  principle,  and  tannic  acid.  The 
Black  Wulmit  flowers  and  ripens  its  fruit  at  the  same  time  with  the  But- 
ternut.    Juglandin  is  the  active  principle. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Butternut  is  a  gentle  and  agreeable  cathartic, 
and  does  not  induce  constipation  after  its  action.  In  cases  of  habitual 
constipation  or  other  intestinal  diseases,  it  has  considerable  value.  Tt 
is  used  in  decoction  in  cases  of  fever,  and  in  the  murrain  of  cattle.  The 
juice  of  the  rind  of  the  Black  Walnut  wUl  cure  herpes,  eczema,  porrigO; 
etc.,  and  a  decoction  of  it  has  been  used  to  remove  worms.  The  Euro 
pean  walnut  has  been  found  to  be  efficacious  in  cases  of  scrofula. 

WATER  PEPPER  (Polygonum  Punctatum). 

Common  Name.      Smartweed. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  wJiole  herb. 

Description. — This  is  an  annual  plant, 
with  a  smooth  stem,  branched,  often  de- 
cumbent at  the  base,  of  reddish  or  green- 
ish-brown color,  and  growing  from  one  to 
two  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  alternate, 
lanceolate,  petiolate,  with  pellucid  dots, 
wavy,  and  scabrous  on  the  margin.  The 
flowers  .are  small,  greenish-white  or  pui-ple, 
and  are  disposed  in  loose,  slender,  drooping, 
but  finally  erect  spikes. 

History. — It  is  a  well-known  plant,  grow- 
ing in  England  and  America,  in  ditches,  low 
grounds,  among  rubbish,  and  about  brooks 
and  water-courses.  It  flowers  in  August 
and  September.  The  whole  plant  is  offici- 
nal. It  has  a  biting,  pungent,  acrid  taste, 
and  imparts  its  virtues  to  alcohol  or  water. 
It  should  be  collected  and  made  into  a  tinc- 
ture while  fresh.  When  it  is  old  it  is  almost 
worthless.    The  English  variety  of  this  plant  possesses  the  same  properties. 

Properties  ami  Uses. — It  is  stimulant,  diuretic,  emmenagogue,  anti- 


Water  Pepper. 


164  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

septic,  diaphoretic,  etc.  The  infusion  in  cold  water  has  been  found 
serviceable  in  gravel,  colds  and  coughs,  and  in  milk  sicloiess.  In  cholera, 
the  patients  wrapped  in  a  sheet  moistened  with  a  hot  decoction  have 
recovered. 

It  is  used  as  a  wash  in  chronic  erysipelatous  inflammations.  The 
fresh  leaves  bruised  with  the  leaves  of  May-weed,  and  moistened  with 
the  oil  of  turpentine,  and  applied  to  the  skin,  will  speedily  vesicate. 
The  infusion  in  cold  water  forms  an  exceUeut  local  application  in  the 
sore  mouth  of  nursing  women,  and  in  mercurial  ptyaUsm  or  salivation. 
The  decoction  or  infusion  in  hot  water  is  not  so  active  as  when  prepared 
in  cold  or  warm  water.  It  has  very  many  virtues  ;  and  its  office  in  my 
"Restorative  Assimilant"  (see  page  469)  it  performs  well. 

Done. — Of  the  infusion,  from  a  wineglassful  to  a  teacupful,  three  or 
four  times  a  day. 

VVORMSEED  (Chenopodium  ANTHELMmxicuM). 

Common  Name.     Jerusalem  Oak. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  seeds. 

Descri'ption. — This  plant  has  a  perennial  branched  root,  with  an, erect, 
herbaceous  stem,  from  one  to  three  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  alter- 
nate, ol)long-lanceolate,  of  yeUowish-green  color,  and  marked  be*ieath 
with  small  resinous  particles.  The  numerous  flowers  are  of  the  same 
color  as  the  leaves.     Seeds  solitary  and  lenticular. 

Jlintory.  — This  plant  grows  in  waste  places  in  almost  all  parts  of  the 
United  States,  flowering  from  July  to  September,  and  ripening  its  seeds 
throughout  the  fall,  at  which  time  they  should  be  collected.  The  whole 
plant  has  a  disagreeable  odor,  and  the  seeds  partake  of  the  same  odor. 

Properties  and  Uses. — Anthelmintic  and  antispasmodic.  ExceUent  t> 
expel  the  lumbrici  from  children.  The  oil  is  the  best  form  of  adminis 
tration,  which  may  be  given  in  doses  of  four  to  eight  drops  on  sugar. 
The  infusion  with  milk  is  also  given  often  in  wineglassful  doses. 

WORMWOOD  (Artemisia  Absinthium). 

Medicinal  Parts.     T7ie  taps  and  leaves. 

Description. — This  is  a  perennial  plant,  with  a  woody  root,  branched 
at  the  crown,  and  ha\ang  numerous  fibres  below.  The  whole  herb  ia 
covered  with  close,  silky  hoarincss ;  the  stems  are  numerous,  bushy, 
and  from  one  to  two  feet  in  height.  Their  lower  part  exists  for  some 
years,  from  which  young  shoots  spring  forth  every  year,  decaying  in 
cold  weather.  The  leaves  are  alternate,  broadi.sh,  and  blunted,  the 
lower  ones  on  long  peticlcs,  upper  ones  on  shorter,  broader,  and  some- 
what winged  ones. 

History. — Wormwood  grows  nearly  all  over  the  world,  from  the 
United  States  to  Siberia.     It  flowers  from  June  to  September.     The 


THE    COMPLETE    HEKFALIST.  165 

tops  and  leaves  are  the  parts  used.  The  dried  herb,  with  the  flowers, 
has  a  whitish  gray  appearance,  a  strong,  aromatic  odor,  and  is  extreme- 
ly bitter  to  the  taste.  Alcohol  or  water  takes  up  its  active  principles. 
It  yields  what  is  known  to  druggists  as  AbsintJuiie. 

Propei'ties  and  Uses. — It  is  anthelmintic,  tonic,  and  narcotic.  It  is 
used  for  many  diseases,  among  which  may  be  enunaerated  intermittent 
fever,  jaundice,  worms,  want  of  appetite,  amenorrhoea,  chronic  leucor- 
rhoea,  obstinate  diarrhoja,  etc.  It  is  also  used  externally  in  country 
places  as  a  fomentation  for  sprains,  bruises,  and  local  iatlammations. 
Taken  too  often,  or  in  large  quantities,  it  will  irritate  the  stomach,  and 
dangerously  increase  the  action  of  the  heart  and  arteries. 

Dose.  — Of  the  powder,  ten  to  twenty  grains ;  infusion,  one  or  two 
ounces. 

Santonin^  a  well-known  antheliarntic,  is  the  peculiar  princiiile  ob- 
tained from  the  Artemisia  Sautonica. 

Dose. — Three  or  four  gi'ains,  twice  a  day. 

YAM  (WILD),  (DiORCOREA  Villosa). 

Common  Name.     CoUg  root. 

IIedicinal  Part.     The  root 

Description. — This  is  a  delicate  twining  vine,  with  a  perennial  root. 
From  this  root  proceeds  a  smooth,  woolly,  reddish-brown  stem,  the  sixth 
of  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  from  five  to  fifteen  or  eighteen  feet  long. 
The  leaves  average  two  to  four  inches  in  length,  and  about  three-quar- 
ters of  their  length  in  width.  They  are  glabrous  on  the  upper  surface, 
with  soft  hairs  on  the  lower.  The  flowers  are  of  a  pale  greenish  yellow 
color,  and  are  very  small.     The  seeds  are  one  or  two  in  each  ceU,  and  flat. 

History. — There  are  several  species  of  yam-root  which  gi-ow  in  the 
West  Indies,  and  which  the  natives  eat  as  we  do  potatoes,  but  these  are 
not  medicinally  like  the  Dioscorea  Villosa,  which  I  have  described 
above,  and  which  is  a  slender  vine  growing  wild  in  the  United  States 
and  Canada,  and  found  running  over  bushes  and  fences,  and  twining 
about  the  growths  in  thickets  and  hedges.  The  farther  south  we  go  the 
more  prolific  it  is.  It  flowers  in  June  and  July.  The  root,  which  is 
the  part  used,  is  long,  branched,  crooked,  and  woody.  From  this  is 
made  a  i)reparation  called  Dioscorein.,  or  Dioscorin,  which  contains  all  its 
active  qualities. 

Pro2)erties  and  Uses. — Antispasmodic.  Half  a  pint  of  the  decoction 
has  been  used,  in  almost  innumerable  cases  of  bilious  colic,  with  great 
good  effect ;  the  same  is  also  employed  for  spasm  of  the  bowels,  and  to 
allay  violent  nausea ;  esj)ecially,  however,  the  unaccountable  nausea  of 
pregnant  women.  Dioscorein  possesses  the  properties  of  the  crude  root 
in  a  marvellous  degree.  I  use  it  mainly  for  bilious  colic  ;  it  is  the  very 
best  relief  and  promptest  cure  now  known.     I  also  give  it  in  some  forma 


166  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

of  uterine  disease  (always,  however,  combined  with  other  material  of  a 
similarly  excellent  character),  but  my  use  of  it  is  chiefly  for  bilious 
colic,  and  for  this  I  commend  it  to  the  public. 

Done. — Of  the  decoction,  two  to  four  ounces;  tincture,  twenty  to 
sixty  drops  ;  Dioscoreia,  one  to  four  grains. 

YARROW  (AcniLLEA   Millefolium). 

Common  Names.     Milfoil,  TJiousand  Seal,  Nose-bleed. 

Medicinal  Part.     The  herb. 

Description. — ^ Yarrow,  also  called  TJionsand  Seal,  is  from  ten  to  twenty 
inches  high,  with  a  simple  stem,  branching  at  the  top,  and  many  long, 
crowded,  alternate  and  dentate  leaves  spread  upon  the  ground,  finely 
cut,  and  divided  into  many  parts.  The  flowers  are  white  or  rose-col- 
ored, and  arrayed  in  knots  upon  divers  green  stalks,  which  arise  from 
among  the  leaves.     Fruit  an  oblong,  flattened  achenium. 

History.  —Yarrow  inhabits  Europe  and  North  America  ;  it  is  found  in 
pastures,  meadows,  and  along  road-sides,  flowering  from  May  to  Octo- 
ber. The  jDlant  possesses  a  faint,  pleasant,  peculiar  fragrance,  and  a 
rather  sharp,  rough,  astringent  taste,  which  properties  are  due  to  tannic 
and  achiUeic  acid,  essential  oil,  and  bitter  extractive,  alcohol  or  water 
being  its  proper  menstruum. 

Properties  and  Uses.  — It  is  astringent,  alterative,  and  diuretic,  in  de- 
coction. It  is  efficacious  in  bleeding  from  the  lungs  and  other  hemor- 
rhages, incontinence  of  urine,  piles,  and  dysentery.  It  is  valuable  in 
amenorrhoea,  or  suppressed  or  restrained  menses,  flatulency,  and  spas- 
modic diseases.  It  forms  a  useful  injection  in  leucorrhoea  or  whites, 
also  in  msnorrhagia,  or  profuse  or  too  long  continued  menstruation.  An 
ointment  cures  wounds,  ulcers,  fistulas,  and  the  head  bathed  in  a  decoc- 
tion prevents  the  falling  out  of  the  hair ;  while  the  leaves  chewed  in 
the  mouth  will  frequently  ease  the  tooth-ache.  Achilles  is  supposed 
to  be  the  first  that  left  the  virtues  of  this  herb  to  jjosterity,  hence  the 
active  principle  of  this  plant  is  called  Aclulleine,  which  is  much  used  as  a 
substitute  for  quinia  in  intermittent  fevers  in  the  South  of  Eiu-ope. 

Dose.  —The  infusion  of  Yarrow  is  given  in  doses  of  from  a  wineglass- 
ful  to  a  teacupful,  three  or  four  times  a  day  ;  the  essential  oil  from  five 
to  twenty  drops.  In  menon'hagia  or  profuse  menstruation,  a  table- 
spoonful  of  the  saturated  tincture  may  be  given  three  or  four  times  a 
day. 

Acldllea  Ptarrnica,  or  Sneeze-wort,  has  leaves  entirely  different  from 
the  Yarrow,  and  should  not  be  mistaken  one  for  the  other.  The  whole 
of  this  plant  is  pungent,  exciting  an  increased  flow  of  saliva ;  and  the 
powder  of  the  dried  leaves,  when  snuffed  into  the  nostrils,  produces 
sneezing,  which  is  supposed  to  be  owing  to  their  Email,  sharp,  and  mai- 
ginal  teeth. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


167 


YELLOW  PARILLA  (Menispermtjm  Canadense). 

Common  Names.      Vine-majjle,  Moonseed. 

Medicinal  Part.     Tlie  root. 

Description. — This  plant  has  a  perennial,  horizontal,  very  long  woody 
root,  of  a  beautiful  yellow  color.  The  stem  is  round  and  climbing,  and 
about  a  foot  in  length.  The  leaves  are  roundish,  cordate,  peltate, 
smooth,  glaucous  green  above,  paler 
below,  entire,  and  four  or  five  inches 
in  diamete*:.  The  flowers  are  in  clus- 
ters, and  are  small  and  yellow.  The 
fruit,  a  drupe,  is  about  the  third  of 
an  inch  in  diameter,  and  one-seeded. 

History. — Yellow  Parilla  grows  in 
moist  woods  and  hedges,  and  near 
streams,  from  Canada  to  Carolina, 
and  west  to  the  Mississippi.  It  flow- 
ers in  July.  The  root,  which  is  the 
part  used,  has  a  bitter,  lasting,  but 
not  unpleasant  acrid  taste,  and  yields 
its  virtues  to  water  and  alcohol.  It  is 
caUed,  not  without  justice,  American 
Sarsaparilla,  and  its  active  piinciple, 
known  as  menispermin,  shows  that  it 
might  have  received  a  name  less  ex- 
pressive of  its  merits. 

Properties  and  Uses. — The  authors 
of  herbalist  disi^ensatories  have  set 
dowTi  Yellow  Parilla  as  ' '  tonic,  laxa- 
tive, alterative,  and  diuretic,"  and  it  seems  to  possess  all  these  qualities. 
Every  plant  of  medicinal  value,  however,  possesses  one  virtue  which  is 
paramount  to  aU  others.  Yellow  Parilla  is  essentially  and  particularly 
anti-syphilitic,  anti-scrofulous,  anti-scorbutic,  and  anti-mercurial.  As 
a  purifier  of  the  blood,  it  is  equal  to  the  imi^orted  sarsapariUa  as  we 
get  the  latter,  and  its  active  principle,  menhpermin.i  may  be  itsed  with 
great  good  effect  in  all  diseases  arising  from  either  hereditary  or  ac- 
quired impurities  of  the  system.  It  exerts  its  influence  principally  on 
the  gastric  and  salivary  glands,  and  is  found  expressly  beneficial  in 
cases  of  adhesive  inflammation,  and  where  it  is  found  necessary  to 
break  u^)  organized  deposits,  and  hasten  disintegration  of  tissue.  I  use 
it  principally  for  those  diseases  arising  from  a  vitiated  condition  of  the 
blood,  but  sometimes  apply  it  to  dyspepsia.  A  decoction  of  the  plant 
may  be  used  to  advantage  as  an  embrocation  in  gouty,  rheumatic,  and 
cutaneous  affections.  The  dose  of  the  meimjyermin  is  from  one  to  four 
grains.     When  it  produces  vomiting  reduce  the  dose. 


Tello-sv  Parilla. 


168  THE   COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 


FLA- INT  TS 


THEIR    COI.1.ECTION    AND    PKESEK VATION . 

A  Physician  who  would  cure  diseases,  or  seek  to  assist  Nature  to  throw 
off  all  morbid  accumulations  from  the  bodj',  should  have  a  single  eye  to 
the  perfection,  purity,  or  quality  of  the  remedial  agents  he  may  feel  called 
upon  to  employ.  Plants  should  be  gathered  at  a  proper  period,  and  under 
correct  climatic  influences,  and  always  chosen  from  those  in  a  wild  or  un- 
cultivated state. 

The  roots  of  an  annual  plant  will  yield  their  most  active  medical 
properties  just  before  the  liowering  season,  whereas  this  class  of  roots  are 
erroneously  gathered  after  the  flowering  season  ;  in  consequence,  they  are 
less  active,  and  do  not  retain  their  qualities  for  any  reliable  time.  The 
roots  of  the  biennial  plants  are  most  energetic  if  gathered  when  the  leaves 
have  fallen  from  the  plant,  in  the  autumu  of  the  first  j'ear ;  while  the 
roots  of  perennial  plants  are  most  active  when  gathered  between  the  decay 
of  the  flowers  and  leaves  and  the  renewal  of  verdure  of  the  following 
Spring.  Bulbs  are  to  be  collected  as  soon  as  matured,  or  soon  after  the 
loss  of  the  foliage,  in  order  to  secure  their  most  active  principles. 

Herbaceous  stems  shoiild  be  collected  after  the  foliage,  but  beford  the 
blossoms  have  developed  themselves,  while  ligneous  or  woody  stems 
should  be  collected  after  the  decay  of  the  leaves  and  previous  to  the  vege- 
tation of  the  succeeding  Spring. 

Barks  are  to  be  gathered  in  the  Spring  previous  to  flowering,  or  in 
Autumn  after  the  foliage  has  disappeared.  Spring  is  the  best  time  to 
gather  resinous  barks,  and  Autumn  for  the  others. 

Leaves  are  best  when  gathered  between  the  period  of  flowering  and 
maturation  of  the  fi-uit  or  seeds.  Biennial  plants,  however,  do  not  perfect 
themselves  the  first  year,  consequently  their  leaves  should  be  gathered 
only  during  the  second  year  of  the  growtli  of  the  plant. 

Flowers  are  to  be  collected  when  about  to  open,  or  immediately  after 
they  have  expanded,  although  I  prefer  the  buds.  Flowers,  buds,  and  leaves, 
are  to  be  gathered  in  dry  weather,  after  the  dew  is  oS  from  them,  or  in 
the  evening  before  it  falls,  and  freed  from  all  impurities.  Aromatics 
should  be  collected  after  the  flower-buds  are  formed,  while  stalks  and 
twigs  are  best  if  trathered  soon  after  the  decay  of  the  flowers.  Berries,  suc- 
culent fruits,  and  seeds  are  to  be  collected  only  when  ripe,  except  in  some 
few  cases  where  the  medicinal  virtue  is  contained  in  the  unripe  article. 
Roots  are  to  be  well  wa&hed,  rejecting  all  worm-eaten  or  decayed  portions. 
Bulbs  are  cleaned  and  dried  as  roots.  Barks,  stems,  twigs,  and  Avoods  are 
best  dried  iu  a  moderate  sun-l)eat,  and  sliould  be  taken  every  night  into  a 
well-ventilated  room,  where  the  dew  or  rain  will  not  touch  them,  and  laid 
upon  sticks,  slats,  or  boards  which  are  some  few  inches  apart,  so  that  the 
air  may  be  well  circulated  through.  The  best  method  of  drying  leaves  is 
to  strip  them  from  the  stem,  lay  them  loosely  upon  a  flooring  Avhere  the 
sun  shines  moderately  and  the  air  circulates  sutliciently  to  avoid  mould — 
keep  them  well  stirred.  The  custom  of  steaming  or  moistening  leaves  in 
order  to  pack  them  moie  solidly  after  having  been  dried,  is  exceedingly 
improper,  as  the  articles  become  thereby  much  deteriorated  in  quality 
and  soon  get  musty. 

Seeds  are  dried  in  the  same  manner  as  stems  and  leaves.  Aromatic  herbs 
and  annual  plants  are  dried  as  advised  for  leaves  similarly  prepared. 


THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 


169 


MECHANICAL    ARTICLES. 

The  followiu?  articles,  so  necessary  in  mauy  instances,  will  be  sent,  prepaid 
by  mail,  secmclj' packed  from  observation.  We  offer  them  to  our  parrons  ije- 
cau.-e  of  their  bein^  in  many  respects  superior  to  others  offered  for  sale  at  double 
the  price  we  ask  for  them. 

EAR   TRUMPETS. 

The  conversation  tube  suits  the  most 
obstinate  cases  of  deafness,  and  is  particu- 
larly convenient  at  the  dinner-table  and 
in  company,  as  private  conversation  can 
be  carried  on  without  attracting  the  atten- 
tion of  others. 


Conversation  Tubes.— Worsted,  Silk,         German  Silver  $3.  Nickle  Plated, 

Ivory  Mounts,  $3,  $3,  $10.  Nickle  Plated  $5.  $5.00. 

There  are  thousands  of  persons  with  one  or  both  ears  supposed  lo  be  perfectly 
useless,  who  in  many  cases  might  hear  very  well  were  tUe  sonorous  undulations  con- 
veyed to  them  by  arrificial  Ear  Trumpets,  thus  drawing  blood  t,o  the  parts  .and  re- 
storing healthy  action.  The  hearing  will  thus  t)c  greatly  improved,  if  not 
altogether  cured. 

URINALS. 

We  have  taken  great  pains  to  have  the  urinals  offered  below,  light,  soft,  durable 
and  of  a  fine  finish.  They  are  manufactured  from  the  finest  quality  of  vulcanized 
rubber. 

Fig.  91  represents 
a  Day  and  Night 
Urinal.  The  long 
tube  connecting  the 
scrotal  and  penis 
portion  to  the  reser- 
voir will  allow  the 
wearer  to  move  and 
turn  in  bed  without 
changing  the  po.si- 
tion  of  the  reservoir. 
This  tube  can  be  re- 
moved and  the  other 
portions  joined  to- 
gelher,  which  per- 
mits it  to  be  worn 
during  the  day  while 
attending  to  busi- 
ness. Fig.  94  has  a 
perfect  scrotal  sup- 
port attached. 

Ctiildren's  Urinals, 
with  reservoir,  $4  ; 
without  reservoir,  $3 


170 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


HARD   RUBBER  SYRINGE. 

The  above  syringi?  is  very  durable,  being  made  of  hard  rubber.    By  Insertin"  the 
appropriate  tubes  (furnished  with  it),  it  can  be  used  as  a  rectum,  vaijinal  or  urethra 

syrinee.  Thi8 
is  the  best 
article  of  the 
kind  made, 
and  we  will 
send  it  by 
maU  to  any 
part    of    the 

country,  packed  securely  from  injury  or  observation  in  a  nice  paper  box,  on  the 
receipt  of  price,  $2.50.  Price  with  only  one  tube,  straight,  male  or  female  ,  as  de- 
sired $2  00 

HARD  RUBBER  VAGINAL  SYRINGES. 
Every  lady  suflfering  from  leacorrhoea,  or  female  weakness,  should  possess  one 
of  these  syringes.    Various  excellent  decoctions,  composed  of  healing  herbal  in- 

ik,         ffr^ -        _      — _  ..  "redients  are  given  in  these  pages,  which 

^^^^■|n^^--  1  —    -;f^~  jif  injected  according  to  directions  (fol- 

W    ~       =^=g=^s= =^^ lowing  at    the    same   time    my  hygienic 

directions)  will  in  the  generality  of  cases  effect  a  cure.    Those  desiring  farther  in- 
formation may  write   a    brief  description  of  their  case,  and  I  will  give  farther 
advice  by  return  mail.    Price,  prepaid  by  mail,  $L25. 
MALE  SYRINGE. 
To  parties  desiring  such  an  article,  we  ofTerf 
this   sj'ringe   as    being    the    best  in  market. 
Price  by  mail,  prepaid.  60  cents.    We  pack  the 
above  sj'ringes  securely  in  a  nice  box,  entirely 
secure  from  observation. 

EAR  SYRINGE. 
Those  desiring  an  ear  syringe  will  find  this  ' 
an  excellent  one — made  of  hard  rubber  it  is 
easily  cleansed  and  does  not  get  out  of  order. 

BREAST  PUMP. 


Price,  prepnid  by  mail,  $1.25. 


This  pump  is  of  hard  rubber— cannot  break  easily  or 


Bed  Frinal, 


get  out  of  order.    Easily  used  and  a  superior  article. 
Price,  prepaid  by  mail,  $.3.00. 

HARD  RUBBER  BED  URINAL,No.  9. 
This  urinal  can  be  used  without  inconvenience  by  the 
invalid  in  bed,  without  the  assistance  of  a  nurse.  First 
having  the  end  of  the  rubber  tube  placed  in  the  vessel 
under  the  bed,  the  urine  will  be  conducted  therein, 
Suitable  for  either  sex. 

RUBBER  AIR  CUSHIONS.  The  air  cushion  is 
rOne  of  the  greatest 
luxuries  of  the  age. 
greatly  contributii  g 
to  the  comfort  of  in- 
valids. Those  of- 
fered are  of  the  best 
quality  and  most  de- 
sirable styles.  Chair  cushions  (reeded),  square  or  rounded 
{f:ee  cut),'$6.  Cluiir  eu.-hioiis  ueeded)  with  back,  $12. 
Carriage  cushions,  $8.    Hospital  cushions,  $8. 


THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST.  171 


ESSAYS  OInT  HTGIEJ^E,  ETC. 


Food  and  Drinks. 

Man  is  an  omnivorous  creature,  partaking  of  the  nature  both  of  the 
carnivorous  and  herbiverous  animal.  Hence,  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose 
that  man  should  subsist  on  a  mixed  diet,  consisting  both  of  animal  and 
vegetable  substances.  To  settle  this  matter,  we  must  appeal  to  man's 
organization.  His  structure  will  tell  us  something  we  need  not  mistake. 
AH  the  works  of  the  Creator  show  design.  Everything  he  has  made  has 
a  use,  and  is  so  contrived  as  to  be  adapted  to  that  use.  Lions,  tigers, 
and  other  animals,  for  example,  which  feed  on  flesh  alone,  have  a  short 
alimentary  canal — it  being  only  about  three  times  the  length  of  an  animal's 
body.  Animals  which  eat  no  flesh — a  sheep  for  example — have  very  long 
second  stomachs  ;  while  the  duodenum,  or  second  stomach  of  the  human 
being,  is  of  a  medium  capacity  ;  which  fact,  in  connection  with  the  pe- 
culiar formation  of  his  teeth  and  his  erect  or  upright  position,  prove  con  ■ 
clusively  that  man  was  destined  to  adapt  himself  to  any  clime,  and  to 
partake  of  any  kind  of  food,  animal  or  vegetable,  as  may  be  naturally 
suppUed  for  his  subsistence  by  the  hand  of  Providence.  For  instance, 
the  inhabitants  of  the  Polar  regions  subsist  principally  on  animal  sub- 
stances, and  that,  too,  of  the  most  oleaginous  or  fatty  sorts. 

Those  tribes  of  men,  laborers,  hunters,  etc.,  living  in  cold  climates, 
who  subsist  almost  wholly  on  flesh,  fish,  or  fowl,  devour  on  an  average 
about  seven  pounds  per  diem.  In  fact,  the  quantity  of  animal  food  con- 
sumed by  some  human  beings,  who  are  flesh-eaters  in'  practice,  seems 
almost  incredible.  Captain  Parry  relates  the  case  of  an  Esquimaux  lad, 
who  at  a  meal,  which  lasted  twenty  hours,  consumed  four  pounds  of  raw 
as  well  as  four  pounds  of  broiled  sea-horse  flesh,  one  and  a  half  pints  of 
gravy,  besides  one  and  three-quarter  jjounds  of  bread,  three  glasses  of 
raw  spirits,  one  tumbler  of  strong  grog,  and  nine  pints  of  water.  Cap- 
tain Cochrane  states,  in  a  "  Narrative  of  Travels  through  Siberian  Tar- 
tary"  that  he  has  repeatedly  seen  a  Yakut  or  Largouse  eat  forty  pounds 
of  meat  in  a  day ;  and  it  is  stated  that  the  men  in  the  Hudson's  Bay 
Company  are  allowed  a  ration  of  seven  or  eight  pounds  of  ordinary  flesh 
meat  per  diem. 

Charles  Francis  Hall,  in  his  work  called  "  Arctic  Researches  and  Life 
among  the  Esquimaux,''''  relates  his  strange  experiences  among  the  tribes 
of  the  country,  with  whom  he  became,  as  it  were,  naturalized.  Speak- 
ing of  the  kinds  of  food  they  used,  and  the  enormous  quantity  con- 


172  THE   COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

eumed,  Captain  Hall  remarks  : — "  The  skin  of  the  Mysticetus  (Greenland 
whale)  is  a  great  treat  to  the  Esquimaux,  who  eat  it  raw.  The  '  black 
skin '  is  three-fourths  of  an  inch  thick,  and  looks  like  india-rubber.  It 
is  good  eating  in  a  raw  state,  even  for  a  white  man,  as  I  know  from  ex- 
perience ;  but  when  boiled  and  soused  in  vinegar  it  is  most  excellent." 
The  Captain  afterwards  saw  the  natives  cutting  up  the  Icrang  (meat)  of 
the  whale  into  such  huge  slices  as  their  wives  could  carry ;  and  as  they 
worked  they  kejDt  on  eating,  until  boat-load  after  boat-load  was  sent 
over  the  ice  to  be  deposited  in  the  villages  of  the  vicinity.  All  day  long 
were  they  eating,  which  led  the  Cajjtain  to  exclaim  :  ''  ^Vhat  enormous 
stomachs  these  Esquimaux  have !  "  He  came  to  the  conclusion,  how- 
ever, that  the  Esquimaux  practice  of  eating  their  food  raw  is  a  good  one 
— at  least,  for  the  better  preservation  of  their  health.  To  one  educated 
othei'wise,  as  we  civilized  whites  are,  the  Esquimaux  custom  of  feeding 
on  uncooked  meats  is  highly  repulsive  ;  but  eating  meats  raw  or  cooked 
is  entirely  a  matter  of  education.  ' '  God  has  made  of  one  blood  all  na- 
tions of  men  to  dwell  on  the  whole  face  of  the  earth,  and  has  determined 
the  times  before  appointed,  and  the  bounds  of  their  habitations."  Take 
the  Esquimaux  away  from  the  Arctic  regions,  and  they  would  sooA  dis- 
appear from  the  face  of  the  earth. 

The  Esquimaux  are  a  hardy  and  happy  people  ;  are  comparatively  free 
from  diseases,  and  are  never  kno\vn  to  die  of  scrofula  or  consumption,  as 
one  of  the  consequences  of  eating  so  enormously  of  oleaginous  or  greasy 
animal  substances. 

On  other  hand,  in  contrast  to  the  gormandizing  propensities  of  the  Es- 
quimaux, there  are  many  examples  of  people  living  in  cold  climates  sub- 
sisting on  coarse  bread,  not  exceeding  the  average  amount  of  one  jjound 
of  wheat,  rye,  or  corn,  daily ;  but  such  persons,  unless  exceedingly  ac- 
tive in  their  habits,  seldom  escape  from  the  penalties  of  scrofula  and  con- 
sumption, for  the  simple  reason  that  they  soon  fail  to  supply  themselves 
with  the  meats  or  fatty  animal  substances  necessary  for  the  heat  and  life 
of  the  body.  The  Canadian  teamsters  live  almost  exclusively  upon  bread 
and  fat,  which,  in  a  temperate  climate,  would  produce  nausea  and  skin 
eruptions. 

In  warm  climates,  as  in  China,  Hindoostan,  Africa,  and  the  trojiics,  the 
food  of  the  natives  is  principally  composed  of  vegetables  and  fruits — rice 
being  the  general  diet,  with  only  animal  or  other  food  enough  to  amount 
to  a  condiment  or  seasoning.  Though  the  amount  of  food  consumed  by 
some  of  the  nations  is  very  small,  and  their  habits  very  temperate,  we  do 
not  find  that  even  they  are  any  the  less  Uable  to  many  of  the  diseases 
which  attlict  those  who  eat  largely  of  a  mixed  diet.  It  is  reasonable  to 
suppose,  however,  that  less  food  and  lighter  clothing  are  required  in 
warm  or  hot  climates  than  iu  those  of  the  temperate  and  fi-igid. 

The  negroes  on  the  plantations  of  filississippi  and  Alabama  grow  sleek 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  173 

and  live  to  an  advanced  age  by  subsisting  largely  on  fat  pork  and  homi- 
ny, com  bread,  sweet  potatoes,  rice,  etc.  In  tlie  pampas  of  Brazil  and 
Buenos  Ayres,  where  immense  herds  of  wild  cattle  are  found,  the  hunt- 
ers catch  these  bovines,  strip  them  of  their  hides  and  horns,  and,  if  hun- 
gry, wlU  cut  out  a  huge  chunk  of  beef,  half  roast  it,  and  eat  it  without 
salt  or  bread.  In  some  parts  of  Brazil  the  natives  feed  on  a  flour  made 
from  the  roots  of  a  certain  plant  or  tree,  moistening  the  same  with  the 
juice  of  the  orange  or  lemon.  Others  fuid  support  in  the  yam,  the  ba- 
nana, or  plantain,  etc.,  while  they  are  hugely  addicted  to  drinking  a  spe- 
cies of  whiskey  called  aguardiente. 

In  Asia  and  Africa  many  of  the  natives  derive  their  staple  nutrition 
from  gum  acacia,  and  among  us  many  an  invalid  has  derived  healthy 
nourishment  from  i^reparations  containing  gum  acacia,  when  his  stomach 
would  neither  bear  nor  digest  any  other  article  in  the  shape  of  food.  In 
Peru  the  Indians  will  subsist  for  a  month  at  a  time  by  chewing  a  plant 
called  erythroxylLu  coca,  and  in  the  mean  time  perform  journeys  of  hun- 
dreds ox  miles.  The  Hindoos  live  principally  on  rice,  and  are  considered 
a  long-lived  and  a  very  docile  people.  On  the  other  hand,  many  of  the 
Indian  tribes  of  North  America,  who  live  on  roots,  barks,  berries,  etc., 
are  very  savage  and  warlike  in  their  habits.  The  Chinese  drink  strong 
tea,  and  the  Tui-ks  coffee  equally  as  strong,  without  apparent  detriment 
to  their  general  health.  The  laboring  Scotch  thiive  partially  on  oatmeal 
porridge,  without  using  a  particle  of  meat.  The  Irish  want  nothing  bet- 
ter than  plenty  of  potatoes,  cabbage,  and  buttermilk.  The  English, 
French,  German,  Italian,  Spanish,  and  other  civilized  people  of  Europe 
live  upon  mixed  diet,  though  each  have  their  peculiar  likes  and  dislikes 
in  the  shape  of  dishes,  and  the  average  health  of  each  nation  is  about  the 
same.  So  in  America  they  eat  everythiug  and  anything,  without  particu- 
lar injury  to  the  constitution,  except  when  eating  too  fast  and  too  much 
at  a  time,  which  is  a  proverbial  national  error. 

People  are  liable  to  eat  what  they  have  been  taught  or  educated  to  eat, 
without  stopping  to  inquire  concerning  any  physiological  laws  on  the 
subject.  Scrofula  is  the  most  prevalent  of  all  diseases, — this  fact  being 
justly  attributed  not  to  pork  or  food  of  any  kind,  but  to  the  manner  in 
which  the  people  are  lodged,  livuig  in  small  or  unventilated  apartments, 
crowded  together  and  breathing  foul  air  and  the  pestiferous  etliuvias  of 
their  own  bodies. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  that  many  of  the  maladies  tacident  to  the  hu- 
man race  are  i^roduced  through  the  agency  of  improper  food,  over-feed- 
ing, etc.,  on  the  internal  organs  ;  yet  it  can  be  readily  shown  that  a  fai" 
greater  a.mount  of  maladies  are  induced  through  the  medium  of  atmos- 
jjheric  impressions  and  vicissitudes  on  the  external  surface  of  the  body. 
More  diseases  arise  from  breathing  foul  air,  or  from  lack  of  the  natural 
atmospheric  air,  than  from  the  worst  or  poorest  kind  of  food.     Disease, 


174  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

therefore,  is  not  so  much  a  result  of  the  kind  of  food  we  eat,  as  it  is  in 
the  quantity  and  quality.  What  may  be  excellent  for  one  man  may  be 
very  injurious  for  another ;  custom,  habits,  idiosyncrasies,  tempera- 
ments, etc.,  having  a  great  deal  to  do  in  the  digestion  of  food,  and  con- 
vertiug  it  into  wholesome  or  nutritious  blood,  capable  of  supi^lyiag  all  the 
tissues  of  the  body  with  their  natural  needs  or  stimuli.  Very  few  people 
Beem  to  know  what  their  stomachs  were  intended  for,  or  even  know 
where  they  are  situated.  All  sorts  of  deleterious  substances  are 
crammed  into  the  stomach  by  thousands  of  people.  When  any  article 
of  food  is  repulsive  to  any  of  the  senses,  it  had  better  be  avoided  as  an 
article  of  diet.  This  antipathy  is  so  intense  iu  some  as  to  amount  to  ac- 
tual idiosyncrasy.  The  sympathy  and  antipathy  displayed  by  some  per- 
sons with  regard  to  alimentary  food  or  drinks  are  extremely  curious. 
Some  notable  instances  are  on  record.  Boyle  fainted  when  he  heard 
the  splashing  of  water  or  liquids.  SCALIGER  turned  pale  at  the  sight  of 
water-cresses  ;  Erasmus  became  feverish  when  he  saw  a  fish.  Zimmer- 
man tells  us  of  a  lady  who  shuddered  when  touching  the  velvety  skin  of 
a  peach.  There  are  whole  families  who  entertain  a  horror  of  cheese? ;  on 
the  other  hand,  there  was  a  physician,  Dr.  Starke,  of  Edinburgh,'  who 
lost  his  life  by  subsisting  almost  entirely  upon  it.  Some  people  iiave 
been  unable  to  take  mutton  even  when  administered  in  the  microscopic 
form  of  pills.  There  is  a  case  of  a  man  falling  down  at  the  smell  of 
mutton,  as  if  bereaved  of  life,  and  in  strong  convulsions.  Sir  J.\MEa 
Eyre,  in  his  well-known  little  book,  mentions  three  curious  instances  of 
idiosyncrasy  :  the  case  of  a  gentleman  who  could  not  eat  a  single  straw- 
berry with  imijunity  ;  the  case  of  another,  whose  head  would  become 
frightfully  swollen  if  he  touched  the  smallest  particle  of  hare  ;  the  case 
of  a  third,  who  would  inevitably  have  an  attack  of  gout  a  few  hours 
after  eating  fish.  We  ourselves  know  of  a  lady  in  Connecticut  who  will 
turn  pale  and  faint  at  the  smell  of  an  apple.  She  could  certainly  claim 
innocence  with  reference  to  tempting  any  Adam. 

This  ignorance  of  the  uses  of  the  stomach,  or  rather  abuse  of  the  func- 
tions, is  sometimes  the  source  of  much  suffering  and  disease.  Besides 
the  gastric  tubes  which  supply  the  stomach  with  the  gastric  juice,  which 
is  necessary  to  dissolve  the  food  before  it  can  be  converted  into  blood,  it 
is  extensively  covered  with  a  net-work  of  nerves  and  blood-vessels,  ren- 
dering the  stomach  very  sensitive  and  very  hable  to  inflammation.  This 
inflammation  sometimes  becomes  very  active,  producing  vomiting,  pain, 
fever,  etc. ,  all  caused  by  imprudence  in  diet.  It  is  a  warning.  If  the 
warning  be  not  heeded,  this  inflammation  becomes  chronic  ;  the  nerves 
lose  their  sensibility  ;  the  stomach  becomes  inactive,  and  that  most  dis- 
tressing of  all  diseases,  dyspepsia  (and  often  epilepsy  or  fits),  takes  up  its 
abode  as  a  permanent  guest.  Most  frequently  it  comes  on  more  slowly 
and  without  apparent  warning. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  175 

The  food  we  eat  has  to  be  properly  digested.  People  are  apt  to  sup- 
pose that  digestion  is  performed  in  the  stomach  only.  This  is  a  mistake 
The  stomach  performs  the  greater  part  of  the  work,  but  it  is  greatly  as- 
sisted by  other  organs  besides.  Digestion  really  begins  in  the  mouth. 
Besides  the  teeth,  which  are  the  true  organs  of  digestion,  there  are  situ- 
ated in  the  cavity  of  the  mouth  three  small  bodies  called  saUvary  glands, 
which  pour  out  a  fluid  called  saliva  (or  spittle),  which  is  just  as  necessary 
to  the  proper  digestion  of  food  as  the  gastric  juice  itself.  The  more 
thorouglily  the  food  is  mixed  with  saliva,  the  more  perfect  will  be  di- 
gestion. This  should  teach  us  to  eat  slowly,  and  to  chew  so  well  that 
every  mouthful  of  food  may  contain  a  proper  amount  of  it.  It  shoidd 
also  teach  us  that  this  saliva  is  too  valuable  a  substance  to  be  contami- 
nated with  tobacco-juice,  or  wasted  in  expectoration  from  smoking,  es- 
pecially where  the  temperament  is  nervous.  Saliva  is  constantly  being 
poured  into  the  cavity  of  the  mouth,  whether  we  are  asleep  or  awake. 
As  a  general  thing,  in  a  healthy  person,  about  five  wine-glasses  full  of  sa- 
liva are  secreted  in  a  day. 

We  eat  that  the  body  may  be  supported  with  blood,  for  our  food,  be- 
fore it  can  become  a  part  of  the  body,  must  first  be  converted  into  blood. 
A  full-grown,  healthy  working-man  consumes  in  one  year  about  twelve 
hvmdred  pounds  of  victuals  and  drink — that  is,  about  eight  times  his  own 
weight ;  yet,  if  he  should  weigh  himself  at  the  end  of  the  year,  he  would 
find  that  he  weighs  very  little  more  or  less  than  he  did  at  the  beginning. 
Now  what  has  become  of  the  t  ./elve  hundred  pounds  he  has  eaten  ?  It 
has  been  wasted  away.  With  every  motion,  every  breath,  3very  opera- 
tion of  the  mind,  the  body  has  been  wasted,  and  food  has  been  required 
to  support  the  waste. 

The  one  great  cause  of  the  wasting  of  the  body,  and  of  the  con.stant 
demand  for  food,  is  action.  If  the  muscles  could  be  kept  from  moving, 
our  lungs  from  breathing,  and  our  minds  from  thinldng,  then  we  might 
not  require  food,  for  there  would  be  no  waste.  This  condition  of  things, 
of  course,  could  never  exist  without  death  speedily  following. 

Exercising  violently  excites  hunger,  since  it  makes  us  breathe  faster, 
and  therefore  causes  vis  to  inhale  more  air.  A  man  of  sedentary  habits 
does  not  require  so  much  food  as  a  laboring  man,  because  he  does  not 
waste  away  as  fast.  Much  of  the  wasted  material  of  the  body  is  carried 
off  by  the  lungs,  in  the  form  of  carbonic  acid.  The  skin,  too,  does  its 
share  of  the  work.  It  not  only  assists  in  breathing,  but  it  also  carries 
out  of  the  system  a  large  portion  of  its  dead  particles. 

Children  require  more  food  in  proportion  than  adults,  because  they  are 
growing,  and  therefore,  so  to  speak,  need  more  to  build  up  their  bodies. 
After  we  have  attained  our  growth,  we  neither  gain  nor  lose  our  weight, 
provided  we  are  in  health,  for  we  consume  as  much  food  as  the  body 
wastes.     This  is  called  a  state  of  equilibrium.     As  old  age  comes  on  the 


176  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

body  begins  to  decline  in  weight,  and  then  we  waste  more  than  we  con- 
6ume. 

Food  may  be  distinguished  into  two  kinds,  viz. ,  nitrogenized  and  non- 
nitrogenized.  The  first  class  is  called  the  plastic  elements  of  nutrition, 
and  is  designed  solely  to  make  blood  and  to  form  the  substance  of  the 
tissues  ui  the  general  structure  of  man  ;  while  the  non-nitrogenized  kind 
is  necessary  to  keep  up  the  animal  heat,  by  yielding  hydrogen  and  car- 
bon, to  be  exhibited  ia  the  lungs.  The  elements  of  human  nutrition  and 
recuperation  are  vegetable  fibrtae,  albumen,  caseine,  and  animal  flesh 
and  blood ;  while  the  elements  of  respiration  are  fat,  starch,  gum,  cane 
sugar,  grape  sugar,  sugar  of  milk,  wine,  beer,  and  spirits.  The  elemen- 
tary prtaciples  or  proximate  elements  of  food  consist  in  water,  gum,  su- 
gar, starch,  lignin,  jeUy,  fat,  fibrine,  albumen,  caseine,  gluten,  gelatine, 
acids,  salts,  alcohol,  etc.  All  these  elements  are  found  ia  sufficient 
abundance  in  either  the  vegetable  or  animal  kiagdoms,  and  are  to  be 
used  according  to  the  natural  wants  of  man,  or  the  supply  of  the  waste. 
No  precise  rules,  therefore,  can  be  laid  down  to  suit  every  particular 
state  of  either  disease  or  health.  Every  one,  accordingly,  should  eat  and 
drink  only  those  things  which  he  may  find  by  experience,  habits,  orv'pecu- 
liarities  to  best  agree  with  his  condition,  and  reject  aU  substances  -Vhich 
he  may  find  injurious  to  his  health  and  general  well-bemg.  It  is  the 
provocative  variety,  or  the  over-stimulation  of  the  palate,  that  does  the 
greater  mischief  to  health.  The  plainer  the  food  and  the  fewer  the 
dishes,  the  greater  will  be  the  immunity  from  disease.  Whether  the 
diet  be  vegetable  or  animal  substances,  the  result  wiU  be  the  same  in  rel- 
ative proportion  to  the  nutriment  yielded.  Fish,  for  scrofulous  and  con- 
sumptive persons,  is  a  most  excellent  diet,  containing  a  principle  called 
iodine. 

Meats  contain  the  most  nitrogen,  the  nitrogenous  portions  of  our  food 
make  flesh,  and  go  to  supply  the  wear  and  tear  and  wastes  of  the  body ; 
these  are  ultimately  passed  from  the  system  in  the  urine.  If  more  ni- 
trogenous food  is  eaten  than  is  needed  to  supply  these  wastes.  Nature 
converts  it  more  rapidly  into  living  tissues,  which  are,  with  correspond- 
ing rapidity,  broken  down  and  converted  into  urine.  This  is  when  the 
food  is  digested  ;  but  when  so  much  is  eaten  that  it  cannot  be  digested. 
Nature  takes  alarm  as  it  were,  and  endeavors  to  remedy  the  trouble  in 
one  of  three  ways.  The  stomach  rebels  and  casts  it  off  by  vomiting,  it 
is  worked  out  of  the  system  by  attacks  of  diarrhoea,  or  the  human  crea- 
ttire  is  made  uncomfortable  generally,  and  is  restless  both  by  day  and 
by  night ;  as  a  further  punishment  his  appetite  is  more  or  less  destroyed 
for  several  meals  afterwards.  Little  or  no  nitrogen  is  poured  off  with 
the  perspiration,  breathing,  or  fseces. 

Whatever  diet  we  use,  whether  animal  or  vegetable,  the  secret  of  ita 
utility  lies  not  only  in  the  quantity  and  quality,  but  in  the  manner  in 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  177 

which  either  kind  is  cooked,  when  so  prepared  for  food.  Much  ignorance 
prevails  everywhere  in  this  matter  of  cooking  the  substances  that  are 
requisite  for  the  sustenance  of  our  bodies.  Let  any  person,  unable  to 
eat  broccoli  or  greens  cooked  in  a  quart  of  water,  try  the  effect  of  having 
them  cooked  in  a  gallon  of  water,  or  of  having  the  quart  of  water  changed 
three  or  four  times  during  the  process  of  cookiag,  and  he  will  soon  dis- 
cover the  difference.  If  good  potatoes  are  "•  watery,"  it  is  because  they 
are  ill-cooked.  Fried  dishes,  rich  gravies,  and  pastry  should  be  avoided 
because  of  their  tendency  to  develop  fatty  acids  in  the  stomach. 

We  may  reasonably  suppose  that  the  physiology  of  digestion  is  yet  too 
imperfectly  understood  to  enable  us  to  lay  down  any  i^recise  laws  as  to 
what  to  eat,  drink,  and  avoid.  With  a  little  vigUance,  however,  each 
person  can  ascertain  for  himself  what  foods  do  and  do  not  agree  with 
him.  As  before  intimated,  the  peculiarities  in  this  respect  are  remark- 
able. Some  cannot  eadure  fat ;  others  cannot  get  along  without  it. 
Some  cannot  touch  mutton  ;  others  are  made  ill  by  eggs.  Let  each  find 
out  his  own  antipathy.  Suppose  the  case  of  a  healthy  man — so  healthy 
that  he  cannot  be  healthier.  We  wiU  say  the  quantity  of  blood  in  his 
body  IS  thirty  pounds,  and  that  he  loses  one  pound  of  this  in  every 
twenty-four  hours.  Is  it  not  plain  enough  that  he  must  eat  as  much 
food  in  the  same  time  as  will  supply  the  waste  of  blood  he  has  lost  ?  But 
if  he  should  eat  as  much  as  will  furnish  a  pound  and  a  half  of  blood,  he 
will  have  half  a  pound  of  blood  too  much  in  his  system.  Should  he  go 
on  adding  an  extra  half  pound  of  blood  daily  more  than  is  required  to 
supply  the  tissues,  what  then  will  be  the  consequences  ?  Bursting  of  the 
blood-vessels.  But  good  Dame  Nature  has  measurably  guarded  against 
any  such  plethoric  catastrophe  ;  for,  after  having  supplied  the  waste  of 
the  body,  the  undue  quantity  of  blood  is  converted  into  fat  or  adipose 
matter,  thus  restoring  the  blood's  volume  to  a  due  standard.  But  this 
quasi  fat  is  of  no  use  to  the  body.  It  does  not  give  it  strength ;  on  the 
contrary,  it  is  an  encumbrance  to  the  machinery,  and,  in  more  ways  than 
one,  is  an  evil.  He,  therefore,  who  eats  too  much,  even  though  he  di- 
gests or  assimilates  what  he  eats,  and  should  be  fortunate  enough  to 
escape  apoplexy,  or  some  other  disease,  does  not  add  a  single  particle  to 
his  strength.  He  only  accumulates  fat,  and  incurs  the  evils  thereunto 
appertaining — one  among  many  of  which  I  will  mention— I  mean  the  ac- 
cumulation of  fat  about  the  heart,  and  interfering,  to  a  most  dangerous 
degree,  with  the  heart's  action.  A  man's  strength  resides  in  his  arte- 
rial blood — in  his  muscles  and  bones  and  tendons  and  ligatures — in  his 
brawn  and  sinew  ;  and  liis  degree  of  strength  depends  upon  the  vigor, 
size,  and  substance  of  these  ;  and  if  he  were  to  eat  without  ceasing,  he 
could  not  add  to  their  size  and  substance  one  atom,  nor  alter  their  origi- 
nal healthy  dimensions.  Therefore  it  is  a  most  miscliievous  fallacy  to 
suppose  that  the  more  a  man  eats  the  stronger  he  grows. 
8*  M 


i78  THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST, 

The  quantity  of  food  taken  daily  should  just  be  sufficient  to  restore  to 
the  blood  what  the  blood  has  lost  in  restoring  the  waste  of  the  body,  and 
that  should  always  be  proportioned  to  the  degree  of  bodily  exertion  un- 
dergone. But  how  are  we  to  know  the  exact  amount  of  the  waste  that  is 
daUy  going  on  in  our  sj^stem,  in  order  to  apportion  the  quantity  of  food 
thereto  ?  Nature  tells  us  not  only  when,  but  how  much  we  ought  to  eat 
and  drink. 

For  instance,  when  you  are  excessively  thirsty,  and  when  you  are  in 
the  act  of  quenching  your  thirst  with  a  draught  of  cold  water,  you  know 
when  you  have  drunlc  enough  by  the  cessation  of  thirst ;  but  there  is 
another  token,  which  not  only  informs  you  when  you  have  drunk  enough, 
but  which  also  prevents  you  from  drhikhig  more,  that  is,  if  you  drink 
water  only.  While  you  are  in  the  act  of  drinking,  and  before  your  thii-st 
has  been  allayed,  how  rich,  how  sweet,  how  delicious  is  the  draught, 
though  it  be  but  water  !  But  no  sooner  has  thirst  been  quenched,  than 
behold,  in  an  instant  all  its  deUciousness  has  vanished !  It  is  now  dis- 
tasteful to  the  palate.  To  him,  then,  who  requires  drink,  water  is  de- 
licious ;  for  him  who  does  not  require  drink,  water  not  only  has  no  relish, 
but  impresses  the  palate  disagreeably.  To  a  man  laboring  undejr  the 
very  last  degree  of  thirst,  even  foul  ditch  water  would  be  a  delkiooa 
draught ;  but  his  thirst  having  beep  quenched,  he  would  turn  from  it 
with  disgust.  In  this  instance  <jt  water-drinking,  then,  it  is  clear  that 
the  relish  depends  not  on  any  flavor  residiug  in  the  water,  but  on  some 
certain  condition  of  the  body.  It  is  absurd  to  say  that  you  cannot  drink 
water  because  you  do  not  like  it,  for  this  only  proves  that  you  do  not 
want  it ;  since  the  rehsh  with  which  you  enjoy  drink  depends  upon  the 
fact  of  your  requiring  di'iak,  and  not  at  all  upon  the  nature  of  the  drink 
itself. 

Now  apply  this  to  eating  instead  of  drinldng.  Place  before  a  hungry 
workman  stale  bread  and  fat  pork,  flanked  by  a  jug  of  cold  water. 
While  his  hunger  remains  imappeased,  he  will  eat  and  drink  with  an  ea- 
ger relish  ;  but  when  his  hunger  has  been  appeased,  the  bread  and  meat 
and  water  have  lost  what  he  supposed  to  be  their  delicious  flavor. 

If  we  ate  only  simple  and  natural  food,  plainly  cooked,  there  would  be 
no  danger  of  eating  too  much — the  loss  of  relish  and  the  feeling  of  dis- 
gust, consequent  upon  satisfied  hunger,  would  make  it  impossible.  In- 
deed, this  sense  of  satiety  is  as  much  and  as  truly  a  natural  token, 
intended  to  warn  us  that  we  have  eaten  enough,  as  the  sense  of  hunger 
is  a  token  that  we  require  food. 

As  hunger  instructs  us  when  to  eat,  so  disrelish  teaches  us  when  we 
should  desist.  It  would  seem  that  the  very  ne  phis  ultra  of  the  cook's 
art  is  to  destroy  the  sensation  of  disreUsh,  which  is  almost  as  necessary 
to  our  health  as  himger  itself.  Thus  it  appears  the  object  of  modern 
cookery  is  to  make  the  stomach  bear  a  large  quantity  of  food  without 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  179 

nausea — to  cram  into  the  stomach  as  much  as  it  can  possibly  hold  with- 
out being  sick. 

The  rule  which  should  regulate  the  quantity  of  food  to  be  used  is 
found  ia  that  sensation  of  disrelish  which  invariably  succeeds  to  satisfied 
appetites.  If  you  be  content  to  live  plainly  and  temperately,  you  will 
never  eat  too  much,  but  you  wdl  always  eat  enough  ;  but  if  you  would 
rather  incur  the  penalty  of  disease  than  forego  the  pleasure  of  diaing 
daintily,  all  I  can  say  is,  you  are  welcome  to  do  so — but  do  not  plead 
ignorance — blame  only  yourself. 

I  have  stated  already  that  certain  people  have  been  known  to  eat 
from  seven  to  forty  pounds  of  meat  or  food  in  a  single  day.  On  the 
other  hand,  persons  have  lived  on  twelve  ounces  of  food  a  day,  and 
were  actually  exempt  from  disease.  Dr.  Franldin,  in  his  younger  days, 
confined  himself  solely  to  ten  pounds  of  bread  a  week,  drinking  water 
only  in  the  mean  time.  Rev.  John  Wesley  lived  to  a  great  age  on  six- 
teen ounces  a  day,  although  he  led  a  very  active  life  as  a  preacher  of 
the  gospel ;  and  a  celebrated  Italian  nobleman,  who  led  a  dissipated 
life  till  near  fifty  years  of  age,  suddenly  reformed  his  habits,  and  lived 
on  twelve  ounces  a  day  with  a  single  glass  of  wine,  until  he  had  reached 
the  hundredth  year  of  his  age.  Was  the  wine  one  of  the  means  by  which 
he  prolonged  his  life  ?  It  no  doubt  served  to  cheer  his  spirits.  And 
this  leads  me  to  consider  somewhat  the  nature  of  stimulants.  By 
stimulants  I  mean  ardent  spirits,  wines,  and  strong  ales.  Are  they 
necessary  as  articles  of  diet  ?  They  are  not  always,  but  have  their 
uses.  They  are  pernicious  to  the  general  organism,  if  too  freely  in- 
dulged in.  Liquids  which  contain  or  make  solids  are  better  than 
wines,  etc.,  yet  both  have  their  uses.  Milk,  the  moment  it  reaches  the 
stomach,  is  converted  into  curds  and  whey.  The  whey  passes  off  by 
the  kidneys — the  solid  curd  nourishes  the  body.  Now,  if  we  evaporate 
a  glass  of  wine  on  a  shallow  plate,  whatever  solid  matter  it  contains 
will  be  left  dry  upon  the  plate,  and  this  wUl  be  found  to  amount  to 
about  as  much  as  may  be  laid  on  the  extreme  point  of  a  penknife  blade  ; 
and  a  portion,  by  no  means  all — but  a  portion  of  this  solid  matter  I  wHl 
readily  concede  is  capable  of  nourishing  the  body- — and  this  portion  is 
only  equal  to  one-third  of  the  flour  contained  in  a  single  grain  of  wheat ! 
If  we  want  nourishment  merely,  why  not  eat  a  grain  of  wheat  instead 
of  drinking  a  glass  of  wine  ?  Yet  wine  has  its  uses  as  an  exhilarant  to 
the  mind  and  body. 

Once  placed  beyond  the  reach  of  the  seductions  of  the  palate,  the 
simple  rule  of  drink  what  you  want  and  as  much  as  you  want  will  of 
itself  suggest  the  needful  limitation.  Physiology  tells  us  plainly 
enough,  not  only  why  liquids  are  necessary,  but  how  all  superfluous 
quantities  are  rapidly  got  rid  of. 

An  interdict  has  been  placed  against  hot  drinks,  which,  if  directed 


180  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

against  tea  and  coffee  so  hot  as  to  scald  the  mucous  membrane,  is  ra- 
tional enough,  but  is  simply  absurd  when  directed  against  hot  in  favor 
of  cold  drinks  ;  the  aroma  of  tea  and  coffee  is  produced  by  heat,  conse- 
quently the  pleasant,  stimulating  effect  is  considerably  diminished  when 
they  are  allowed  to  get  cold. 

Great  diversity  prevails  as  to  the  kinds  of  drinks  which  should  be 
used.  Some  interdict  tea,  others  only  green  tea  ;  some  will  not  hear 
of  coffee  ;  others  allow  mild  beer,  but  jarotest  against  the  bitter.  "WTio- 
ever  very  closely  examines  the  evidence  wiU  probably  admit  that  the 
excessive  variations  in  the  conclusions  prove  that  no  unexceptionable 
evidence  has  yet  been  offered.  By  this  I  mean  that  the  evil  effects 
severally  attributed  to  the  various  liquids  were  no  direct  consequences 
of  the  action  of  such  liquids,  but  were  due  to  some  other  condition. 
We  often  lay  the  blame  of  a  restless  night  on  the  tea  or  coffee,  which 
would  have  been  quite  inoffensive  taken  after  a  simpler  dinner,  or  at 
another  hour. 

When  a  man  uniformly  finds  a  cup  of  tea  produce  discomfort,  no 
matter  what  his  dinner  may  have  been,  nor  at  what  hour  he  drinks  it, 
he  is  justified  in  the  inference  that  tea  disagrees  with  him  ;  if  he  finds 
that  the  same  effect  follow  whether  he  take  milk  or  sugar  with  hi*,  tea, 
then  he  has  a  strong  case  against  the  tea  itself,  and  his  experience  is 
evidence  as  far  as  it  goes.  But  we  should  require  a  great  deal  of  evi- 
dence as  i^recise  as  this,  before  imjiugning  the  wide  and  massive  in- 
duction in  favor  of  tea,  which  is  drawn  from  the  practice  of  millions. 
Had  tea  in  itself  been  injurious,  had  it  been  other  than  positively 
beneficial,  the  discovery  would  long  ago  have  been  made  on  a  grand  scale. 

The  same  may  be  said  of  coffee.  Both  tea  and  coffee  may  be  hurt- 
ful when  taken  at  improper  times,  or  by  bilious  persons  ;  and  a  little 
vigilance  will  enable  each  person  to  decide  for  himself  when  he  can, 
and  when  he  cannot,  take  them  with  benefit. 

I  may  briefly  state  my  opinion  that  the  great  objection  against  wines 
is  its  pleasantness,  which  is  apt  to  lure  us  into  drinking  more  than  is 
needful.  Wine  is  quite  unnecessary  for  robust  men  living  under  healthy 
conditions  ;  but  to  them  it  is  also,  when  moderately  taken,  quite  harm- 
less. For  many  delicate  men  and  women,  living  under  certain  un- 
healthy conditions,  it  is  often  indispensable.  The  physician  must 
decide  in  aU  such  cases. 

Many  think  they  cannot  do  vrithout  something  to  drink  at  regular 
meals.  Cold  milk  at  meals  has  the  disadvantage,  if  used  freely,  of 
engendering  constipation,  biliousness,  and  the  long  train  of  minor  symp- 
toms which  inevitably  follow  these  conditions. 

Warm  drinks  arc  preferable  in  moderate  quantities.  Field  hands  on 
cotton  and  sugar  plantations  find  a  wholesome  drink  in  a  mixture  of 
molasses,  ginger,  and  water.     This  is  a  safe  drink  for  harvesters,  as  ai^e 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  181 

many  other  temperate  household  preparations.     A  recipe  for  many  of 
these  will  be  found  in  the  proper  department  of  this  work. 

Whatever  we  eat  or  whatever  we  drink,  let  it  be  only  enough  barely 
to  appease  the  instincts  of  hunger  and  thirst.  If  we  rigidly  do  this,  we 
shall  seldom  or  never  be  afflicted  with  dyspepsia,  liver  complaints,  heart 
disease,  and  the  thousand  ills  to  which  flesh  is  heir,  but  will  continue 
to  enjoy  unceasing  rubicund  health  and  vigorous  old  age. 

Clothing. 

Clothing  must  be  adapted  to  the  climate  in  which  a  person  lives. 
Warm  or  heavy  clothing  is  rendered  imperative  in  a  northern  cUmate, 
while  the  lightest  and  thinnest  can  only  be  tolerated  in  the  torrid  zones. 
It  is,  however,  a  physiological  fact  that  the  more  the  whole  surface  of 
the  body  is  exposed  to  the  external  air,  within  certain  limits,  the  more 
vigorously  is  its  functional  action  performed,  and  the  better  is  it  enabled 
to  preserve  its  own  proper  temperature,  as  well  as  to  resist  all  unwhole- 
some impressions  from  vicissitudes  of  weather,  or  the  extremes  of  heat 
and  cold.  It  should  always  be  as  light  and  loose  as  possible  without 
bodUy  discomfort. 

The  substances  principally  employed  for  clothing  are  linen,  cotton, 
Bilk,  wool,  hair,  or  down.  Woollens  or  flannels,  being  bad  conductors 
of  heat,  afford  the  greatest  immediate  protection  from  cold  ;  and  for 
the  same  reason  are  less  debilitating  to  the  cutaneous  function  than  is 
generally  supposed.  The  most  healthy  clothing  for  a  cold  climate,  es- 
pecially the  year  round,  is  undoubtedly  that  made  of  wool.  If  worn 
next  to  the  skin  by  all  classes  in  summer  and  winter,  an  incalculable 
amount  of  coughs,  colds,  diarrhoeas,  dysenteries,  and  fevers  would  be 
prevented,  as  also  many  sudden  and  premature  deaths  from  croup, 
diphtheria,  and  inflammation  of  the  lungs  and  bladder.  Of  course,  the 
clothing  should  be  regulated  in  amount  according  to  the  degree  of  the 
heat  of  the  weather  at  the  time  prevaUing.  In  a  very  hot  day,  for  in- 
stance, a  single  garment  might  be  sufficient,  but  on  a  colder  day  an 
additional  garment  should  be  added,  and  in  this  way  keep  the  equi- 
librium of  the  temperature  of  the  body  uniform  as  possible  day  by  day, 
the  year  round.  Winter  maladies  would  be  prevented  by  the  ability  of 
a  woollen  garment  to  keep  the  natural  heat  about  the  body,  instead  of 
conveying  it  away  as  fast  as  generated,  as  is  done  by  linen,  flaxen, 
cotton,  and  silken  garments.  Indeed,  the  laboring  classes,  or  those  com- 
pelled to  toil  in  the  sun,  would  enjoy  better  health  by  wearing  light 
woollen  clothing,  than  by  wearing  linen  or  cotton  fabrics.  Among  the 
Irish  emigrants  and  others  who  arrive  in  the  United  States  during  the 
summer  season,  we  find  many  clothed  entirely  in  woollen  garments, 
frequently  wearing  heavy  cloaks  or  coats,  and  actually  feeling  less  dis- 
comfort from  the  heat  than  those  of  our  native-bom  citizens  who  are  in 


182  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

the  habit  of  wearing  linen  or  cotton  next  to  their  skin,  and  similar  fab- 
rics over  these  for  outer  clothing.  It  is  more  healthful  to  wear  woollen 
next  to  the  skin,  esp'^.cially  in  summer,  for  the  reason  that  woollen 
textures  absorb  the  moisture  of  perspiration  so  rapidly  as  to  keep  the 
skin  measurably  dry  all  the  time.  It  is  curious  to  notice  that  the  water 
is  conveyed  by  a  woollen  garment  from  the  surface  of  the  body  to  the 
outer  side  of  the  garment,  where  the  microscope  shows  it  condensed  in 
milhons  of  pearly  drops ;  while  it  is  in  the  experience  of  all  observant 
people,  that  if  a  linen  shirt  becomes  damp  by  perspkation,  it  remains 
cold  and  clammy  for  a  long  time  afterwards,  and,  unless  removed  at 
once,  will  certainly  cause  some  bodily  ailment,  as  palsy,  rheumatism, 
etc.  To  sit  down,  or  remain  inactive  with  a  linen  or  cotton  shirt  wet 
with  perspiration,  will  speedily  cause  a  chill  to  the  whole  body,  leading 
not  unfrequently  to  some  sudden  and  fatal  disease.  In  the  night-sweats 
of  consumption,  especially,  or  of  any  debilitated  condition  of  the  sys- 
tem a  woollen  or  flannel  night-dress  (light  for  warm  weather)  is  im- 
measurably more  comfortable  than  cotton  or  linen,  because  it  prevents 
that  sepulchral  dampness  and  chilliness  of  feeling  which  are  otherwise 
inevitable.  The  British  government  make  it  imperative  that  every 
sailor  in  the  navy  shall  wear  flannel  shii-ts  in  the  hottest  dlimates,  a  rule 
that  should  be  adoi^ted  by  all  persons  everywhere  exposed  to  variable 
weather,  to  extreme  heats  and  colds,  merely  regulating  the  amoimt  of 
woollen  garments  worn  to  suit  the  variable  temperatures  of  climates  and 
seasons.  In  saying  all  this,  however,  we  must  remember  that  comfort 
is  very  much  a  matter  of  habit ;  and  therefore  we  should  make  due 
discrimination  between  .the  natural  sensation  of  health  and  the  morbid 
sensitiveness  produced  by  false  customs.  For  instance,  some  keep  their 
Vhole  bodies  constantly  covered  by  many  layers  of  wooUen  garments, 
and  yet  go  into  a  shivering  fit  at  every  unusual  breath  of  cold  air.  The 
reason  is,  they  never  adapt  their  habiliments  gradually  to  the  degree  of  the 
heat  or  cold  of  the  season.  If  it  be  deemed  advisable  to  wear  wooUen 
clothing  all  the  year  round,  whether  summer  or  winter,  it  does  not 
follow  that  we  are  to  wear  more  than  one  or  two  extra  folds  of  clothing 
in  addition  to  the  under  garments.  The  true  rule  is  not  to  cover  all 
parts  of  the  body  equally  with  the  same  amount  of  clothing.  The  fleshy 
parts  require  the  least  clothing,  and  the  limbs  and  feet,  or  less  muscular 
parts,  the  most.  Yet  we  often  wear,  in  addition  to  under  clothing,  a 
thick  vest,  coat,  and  overcoat ;  and  to  these  will  add  heavy  scarfs  of  fur 
or  wool  to  the  neck,  etc. ,  while  the  legs  and  feet  are  seldom  clad  in 
more  than  a  single  additional  garment  to  the  drawers  and  stockings. 
These  parts  require  more  clothing,  especially  in  the  winter  season,  than 
any  other  parts  of  the  body.  Furs  are  worn  in  the  United  States  more 
for  ornament  than  benefit.  They  are  the  warmest  clothing  materials 
known  j  yet  are  not  adapted  for  general  wear,  iuasmuch  as  they  are 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  183 

apt  to  overheat  the  body,  and  thus  render  it  keenly  susceptible  to  colds 
and  other  afflictions.  By  consequence,  fur  neck  cloths,  caps,  etc.,  are 
very  pernicious  for  the  head  and  throat,  inducing  catarrhs,  quinsy  sore 
throat,  and  similar  afflictions.  On  the  contrary,  a  Hght  woollen  waist- 
coat worn  constantly  over  the  breast,  summer  and  winter,  would  gnard 
against  these  and  other  evils,  and  insure  vigorous  strength  to  the  lungs 
or  respiratoiy  apparatus,  and  thus  should  not  be  dispensed  with  even  in 
dog-days.  The  simple  rule  is  to  keep  the  head  cool  and  the  feet  warm 
at  all  seasons  of  the  year.  Cheap  and  pretty  silks,  of  which  there  are 
many  varieties,  are  materials  which  are  admirable  for  ladies'  evening, 
dinner,  or  walking  dresses,  and  cost  less  in  the  end  than  other  fabrics. 

While  I  contend  that  woollen  or  flannel  clothing  is  the  most  suitable 
for  the  colder  or  even  the  more  temperate  climates,  it  is  not  for  me  to 
object  to  the  use  of  linen  or  cotton  clothing  for  those  living  in  the  toiTid 
or  tropical  climes.  Indeed,  cotton  and  linen  would  seem  best  adapted 
to  such  climes.  In  the  north,  many  persons  cannot  wear  flannel  next 
to  the  skin,  on  account  of  inducing  some  pecxiliar  cutaneous  affection  ; 
while  others  prefer  such  fabrics  from  choice,  although  exposed  to  all 
vicissitudes,  never  experiencing  any  evil  effects  from  such  a  course. 
Such  persons  usually  lead  an  active,  out-door  life,  or  are  accustomed  to 
exposing  their  bodies  frequently,  especially  their  chests,  to  atmospherio 
influences. 

In  a  strictly  hygienic  regulation  of  dress,  however,  the  color  of  the 
clothing  is  not  to  be  disregarded.  White  color  reflects  the  rays  of  the 
sun ;  black  absorbs  them.  Light  colored  clothuig  is,  therefore,  more 
comfortable  and  sanitary  in  warm  weather  than  dark  colored,  because 
the  former  repels  the  heat,  while  it  is  readily  received  and  retained  by 
the  latter.  The  heat-reflecting  or  heat-retaining  property  of  different 
fabrics  varies  exactly  with  their  lighter  or  darker  shades  of  color.  This 
difference,  however,  is  much  greater  in  the  luminous  rays  of  light  than 
in  the  non-luminous.  When,  therefore,  we  are  not  exposed  to  the  sun, 
the  subject  of  color  is  of  very  little  importance.  The  absorbing  power 
of  dark  surfaces  renders  the  skins  of  dark-colored  animals,  as  well  as 
the  darker  persons  or  races  of  the  human  family,  less  liable  to  be 
scorched  or  blistered  by  the  direct  rays  of  the  sun  than  are  those  of  a 
lighter  color. 

As  to  the  cut  or  fashion  of  garments,  that  is  a  matter  to  be  decided 
by  the  taste  or  habits  of  the  wearer.  Fashion,  however,  is  very  arbi- 
trary, and  seldom  consults  hygiene  in  matters  of  dress.  Of  late  years 
she  has  really  much  improved,  as  to  the  regulation  of  attire  with  regard 
to  both  health  and  elegance.  The  hooped  skirt,  which  at  the  outset  of 
its  career  was  so  mercilessly  ridiculed,  has  proved  to  be  a  great  blessing 
to  the  ladies,  as  it  enables  them  to  dispense  with  a  heavy  drag  of  solid 
skirts,  and  gives  their  lower  limba  free  and  easy  play  and  motion.     The 


184  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

hats  or  head-coverings  now  worn  by  both  sexes  are,  in  a  sanitary  point 
of  view,  far  superior  to  those  worn  by  our  immediate  ancestors,  being 
very  light,  and  affording  free  ventilation,  which  is  indispensable  for  the 
avoidance  of  headaches,  rushing  of  blood  to  the  head,  and  many  other 
afflictions. 

I  can  therefore  only  say  tlirit  the  first  physiological  rule  for  dress  is 
to  have  all  garments  as  light  in  texture  and  as  loose  in  fashion  as  is 
consistent  with  bodily  comfort,  or  such  as  will  admit  of  the  most  perfect 
freedom  in  the  exercise  of  every  muscle  in  the  body.  Inequality  of 
clothing,  as  before  remarked,  is  a  far  more  frequent  cause  of  colds  than 
deficient  clothing.  For  instance,  if  a  person  exposes  a  part  of  the  body 
usually  protected  by  clothing  to  a  strong  current  of  cold  air,  lie  will  take 
cold  sooner  than  by  an  equal  exiDOsure  of  the  whole  body.  A  great 
safeguard  against  disease  is  to  regulate  the  texture  and  quantity  of 
clothing  according  to  the  temperature  of  the  climate  in  which  a  person 
lives,  avoiding  extreme  colds  or  extreme  heats ';  keeping  the  clothing 
always  fresh  and  clean  (especially  that  of  the  feet),  and  wearing  a  dif- 
ferent garment  at  night  from  that  worn  during  the  day,  not  omitting 
the  cleanliness  of  the  whole  body  in  the  general  hygiene  of  wearing 
apparel.  \ 

Sleep. 

Sleep  is  as  much  a  necessity  to  the  existence  of  all  animal  organiza- 
tions as  light,  air,  or  any  other  element  incident  to  their  maintenance 
and  healthful  development.  The  constitutional  relation  of  man  to  the 
changes  of  the  seasons,  and  the  succession  of  days  and  nights^  implies 
the  necessity  of  sleep.  Natural  or  functional  sleep  is  a  complete  cessa- 
tion of  the  operations  of  the  brain  and  sensory  nervous  ganglia,  and 
is,  therefore,  attended  with  entire  unconsciousness.  Thoroughly  heal- 
thy people,  it  is  believed,  never  dream.  Dreaming  implies  imperfect 
rest — some  disturbing  cause,  usually  gastric  irritation,  exciting  the  brain 
to  feeble  and  disordered  functional  action.  Individuals  of  very  studious 
habits,  and  those  whose  labors  are  disproportionately  intellectual, 
require  more  sleep  than  those  whose  duties  or  pursuits  require  more 
manual  and  less  mental  exertion.  The  waste  of  nervous  influence  in 
the  brain  of  literary  or  studious  persons  requires  a  lo'jger  time  to  be 
repaired  or  supplied  than  in  those  even  who  endure  the  largest  amount 
of  physical  toil,  without  particular  necessity  for  active  thought  while 
engaged  in  their  daily  manual  pursuits.  But  no  avocation  or  habit 
affects  this  qvaestion  so  much  as  the  quality  of  the  inge.eta.  Those  who 
subsist  principally  upon  a  vegetable  diet,  it  is  said,  require  less  sleep 
than  those  who  subsist  on  both  animal  and  vegetable  food.  It  seems 
certain  that  herbivorous  animals  sleep  less  than  the  carnivorous  ;  while 
the  oninivora  require  more  sleep  than  the  herbivora  and  less  than  the 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  185 

camivora.  Man,  therefore,  partaking-  most  of  the  omnivorous,  living 
on  a  mixed  diet  of  animal  and  vegetable  food,  requires  more  sleep  than 
the  ox,  the  horse,  or  the  sheep,  but  much  less  than  the  lion,  the  tiger, 
or  the  bear. 

Physiologists  are  not  well  agreed  respecting  the  natural  duration  of 
sleep.  Indeed,  no  positive  rule  can  be  laid  down  on  this  subject ;  the 
statute  of  Nature,  however,  appears  to  read :  Retire  soon  after  dark, 
and  arise  with  the  first  rays  of  morning  light ;  and  this  is  equally 
applicable  to  all  climates  and  all  seasons,  at  least  in  all  parts  of  the 
globe  proper  for  human  habitations,  for  in  the  cold  season,  when  the 
nights  are  longer,  more  sleep  is  required. 

Histoiy  shows  that  those  who  have  hved  the  longest  were  the  longest 
sleepers,  the  average  duration  of  sleep  being  about  eight  hovirs.  The 
time  of  sleep  of  each  individual  must  depend  on  his  temperament,  man- 
ner of  life,  and  dietetic  habits.  For  instance,  John  Wesley,  with  an 
active  nervous  temperament  and  a  rigidly  plain  vegetable  diet,  and  who 
performed  an  immense  amount  of  mental  and  bodily  labor,  slept  but 
four  or  five  hours  out  of  the  twenty-four ;  while  Daniel  Webster,  with  a 
more  powerful  frame  but  less  active  organization,  and  living  on  a  mixed 
diet,  had  a  "talent  for  sleeping"  eight  or  nine  hours.  Benjamin  Frank- 
lin used  to  say  that  seven  hours  sleep  was  enough  for  any  man,  eight 
hoiirs  for  a  woman,  and  nine  hours  for  a  fool !  Nevertheless,  the  inva- 
riable rule  for  all  whose  habits  are  correct,  is  to  retire  early  in  the  even- 
ing, and  sleep  as  long  as  the  slumber  is  quiet,  be  the  time  six,  seven, 
eight,  or  nine  hours.  Those  who  indulge  in  late  suppers,  or  eat  heartily 
before  retiring,  are  usually  troubled  with  unpleasant  dreams,  nightmare, 
and  are  oftentimes  found  dead  in  the  morning.  Restless  dozing  in  the 
morning  is  exceedingly  debilitating  to  the  constitution.  Persons  ad- 
dicted to  spirituous  liquors  and  tobacco,  in  connection  with  high-seasoned 
food,  are  in  danger  of  oversleeping  even  to  the  extent  of  very  consider- 
ably increasing  the  stupidity  and  imbecility  of  mind,  and  indolence  and 
debility  of  body  naturally  and  necessarily  consequent  upon  those  habits. 
Sleejiing  in  the  daytime,  or  after  meals,  is  not  a  natural  law  of  the  phy- 
siology of  man.  No  one  requires  to  sleep  after  a  meal  unless  he  has 
eaten  more  food  than  his  system  required.  Sleep  may  be  indulged  in 
during  the  day  when  sufficient  sleep  is  not  had  at  night ;  but  this  sleep- 
lessness at  night  need  seldom  occur  were  our  habits  made  conformable 
to  the  general  hygienic  requirements  of  Nature.  Children  may  sleep  all 
they  are  inclined  to.  The  position  of  the  body  is  of  some  importance. 
It  should  be  perfectly  flat  or  horizontal  with  the  head,  a  little  varied  by 
a  small  pillow.  Sleeping  with  the  head  elevated  by  two  or  three  pillows 
or  bolsters  is  certainly  a  bad  habit.  The  neck  is  bent,  the  chest  is  com- 
pressed, ajid  the  body  unnaturally  crooked.  Children  are  made  round- 
shouldered  from  their  heads  being  placed  on  high  piUows.     The  beda 


186  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

should  be  made  of  straw,  com-husks,  hair,  various  palms  and  grasses, 
never  of  feathers,  which  can  only  be  mentioned  in  reprehension.  The 
bed-clothing  should  always  be  kept  scrupulously  clean,  and  adapted  to 
the  season  of  the  year,  while  the  bed-rooms  should  always  be  sufficiently 
large  and  airy  as  best  conducive  to  sound  sleep  and  general  vigorous 
health. 

BATnrNG. 

Were  all  to  follow  the  natural  laws  of  their  organization  in  respect  to 
eating,  drinking,  clothing,  exercise,  and  temperature,  an  occasional  bath 
or  washing  would  be  sufficient ;  but  as  the  laws  of  life  and  health  are 
transgressed  in  a  thousand  ways,  the  sum  total  of  all  the  unphysiologi- 
cal  habits  of  civilized  life  is  a  condition  of  body  characterized  by  deficient 
external  circulation,  capillary  obstruction,  and  internal  congestion  or  en- 
gorgement. To  counteract  t'his  morbid  condition  of  the  system,  bathing 
of  the  whole  body,  on  regular  occasions,  cannot,  or  should  not,  be 
omitted.  For  hygienic  purposes,  the  particular  process  is  merely  a 
matter  of  convenience.  You  may  bathe  in  a  river  if  you  like,  or  may 
employ  the  shower-bath  ;  but  these  modes  are  no  more  beneficial  ^than 
the  towel  or  sponge-bath.  After  the  ablution,  in  whatever  manner  per- 
formed, care  should  be  taken  to  thoroughly  rub  the  body  mth  a  crash 
towel.  The  best  time  for  such  purification  of  the  body  is  on  rising  from 
bed  in  the  naoming.  The  temperature  of  the  water  should  be  adapted 
to  suit  different  circumstances  of  constitutional  health  and  disease. 
Cold  or  cool  baths  are  best  for  those  in  robust  health  ;  but  those  who  are 
deficient  in  blood,  or  have  a  low  \atality,  should  use  tepid  water. 
Extremely  feeble  persons  should  commence  with  warm  water,  and  grad- 
ually reduce  the  temperature  as  reaction  improves.  Sponging  the  body 
with  spirits  or  vinegar  may  prove  highly  beneficial  in  many  cases  of 
debility,  where  water  would  be  injurious.  Excessive  bathing  tends  to 
make  the  skin  harsh  and  scaly  by  diluting  the  secretions  of  the  sebaceous 
glands,  the  oil  of  which  is  intended  to  be  regularly  and  naturally  poured 
out  to  the  surface  of  the  skin  in  order  to  keep  it  smooth,  glossy,  and 
soft.  Bathe  as  often  as  may  be  necessary  to  keep  the  skin  clean,  and 
you  will  then  have  fulfilled  the  requu-ements  of  hygienic  bathing. 

Exercise.— I'liYsiCAL  and  Mental  DEVELorjiENT. 

Everything  tends  to  prove  that  man  was  destined  to  lead  a  life  of 
bodily  action.  His  formation — his  physical  structure  generally,  and 
that  of  his  joints  particularly  his  great  capacity  for  sjjeed  and  laborious 
exertion — the  Divine  injunction,  that  "  he  shall  live  by  the  sweat  of  his 
t^row" — the  bodily  imbecility  and  enfeebled  health  invariably  conse- 
quent upon  sedentary  habit — all  go  to  prove  that  he  was  destined  to 
lead  a  life  of  physical  activity.     Most  people  are  apt  to  detipise  many  of 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  187 

tLe  aids  to  health,  because  of  their  very  simplicity.  A  sensible  Dervish, 
in  the  Eastern  aMegoiy,  well  aware  of  this  weakness  of  human  nature 
to  despise  simple  things,  and  venerate  those  they  do  not  understand, 
when  called  to  the  Sultan  to  cure  him  of  a  disease,  did  not  dare  to 
simply  advise  him  to  take  exercise  ;  but  he  said  to  him  : — "  Here  is  a 
ball  which  I  have  stuffed  with  certain  rare  and  precious  medicines. 
And  here  is  a  bat,  the  handle  of  which  I  have  also  stuffed  with  similar 
medicines.  Your  Higness  must  take  this '  bat  and  with  it  beat  about 
this  ball,  untQ  you  perspire  very  freely.  You  must  do  this  every  day." 
His  Highness  did  so  ;  and,  in  a  short  time  the  exercise  of  playing  at  bat 
and  ball  with  the  Dervish  cured  the  Sultan's  malady.  But  it  should  be 
remembered  that  there  are  a  great  many  cases  where  medicines  must 
be  given  to  assist  nature,  besides  the  employment  of  exercise  to  facili- 
tate the  recovery  of  the  patient. 

Nevertheless,  exercise  is  one  of  the  chief  aids  of  all  others  I  must  re- 
commend to  be  adopted  as  eminently  essential  for  the  remedying  of  bad 
health,  and  of  preserving  that  which  is  already  good.  It  is  impossible 
for  a  healthy  adult  to  be  otherwise  than  active  in  body  or  mind,  or  both ; 
while  it  may  be  asserted,  with  abundant  reason,  that  laziness  is  actually 
a  disease,  dependent  on  some  abnormal  condition  of  the  organism.  A 
variety  of  social  circumstances  may  operate  to  i^roduce  an  iudolent  dis- 
position of  mind  and  inactive  habit  of  body,  but  these  also  produce  a  pri- 
mary condition  of  ill-health. 

The  function  of  respiration,  by  which  the  blood  is  vitalized,  and  the 
nutrition  of  the  muscular  structure,  on  which  depend  all  the  motive 
power  or  strength  of  the  system,  are  intimately  connected  with  the  cir- 
culation of  the  blood,  and  this  with  active  exercise.  Without  this,  there 
must  be  unhealthy  accumulation  somewhere  ;  and,  as  the  larger  arteries 
are  not  permanently  dUatable,  while  the  veins  and  capillary  arteries  are 
Bo,  this  accumulation  or  congestion  must  take  place  in  the  veins  and  ca- 
pillary or  hair-like  arteries. 

When  the  circulation  is  feeble  from  lack  of  bodily  exercise,  or  other 
cause,  the  blood  creeps  sluggishly  along  the  minute  vessels  composing  the 
elementary  tissue  of  the  body ;  these  veins  and  capillaries  become 
gorged,  which  engorgement  operates  as  a  stiU  further  impediment  to  the 
free  flow  of  the  blood.  The  blood,  when  not  circulated  with  due  energy 
through  the  ultimate  tissues,  becomes  deteriorated  in  quality,  and  so,  ia 
turn,  fails  to  supply  that  proper  nutintion  upon  which,  according  to  its 
degree  of  purity,  all  the  tissues  and  fvmctions  of  the  body  depend.  If 
the  propelling  power  arising  from  breathing  pure  air  and  using  active 
bodily  exercise  is  not  sufficiently  energetic,  the  circulation  through  the 
elementary  tissue  is  so  slow  that  the  blood  loses  its  healthful  arterial  hue 
before  it  has  reached  the  extremities  of  the  hair-like  arteries ;  and  thua 
that  part  of  the  tissue  which  ought  to  be  filled  with  arterial  blood  is 


188  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

gorged  only  with  black  venous  blood,  from  which  the  proper  secretion 
necessary  to  the  nutrition  of  the  body,  cannot  be  separated,  either  in  due 
abundance  or  of  a  healthy  quality.  Hence,  if  this  state  of  congestion  be 
permitted  to  exist  from  lack  of  active  exercise  and  consequent  free  res- 
piration, so  as  to  vitalize  the  blood,  there  must  needs  be  a  sjjeedy  wast- 
ing of  flesh,  and  all  the  other  phenomena  of  consumption  or  any  other 
disease.  The  strength  of  the  system  is  intimately  connected  with  the 
circulation  of  the  blood,  as  stimulated  in  its  flow  by  means  of  active 
bodily  exercise  and  pure  air. 

This  principle  is  well  illustrated  in  the  effects  of  gymnastics  and  train- 
ing, by  which  the  muscles  of  any  part  of  the  body  are  remarkably  invig- 
orated by  regular  systematic  exercise.  People  of  all  trades  and  occupa- 
tions find  those  parts  of  the  muscular  system  which  are  habitually  the 
most  exercised  to  be  the  most  i^owerful. 

For  healthful  purposes  all  that  is  necessary  is,  any  way,  to  exercise  all 
parts  of  the  body  to  a  degree  of  fatigue  without  exhaustion  ;  that  is,  to 
a  degree  which  will  insure  an  energetic  circulation  of  the  blood  through- 
out the  entire  economy.  All  exercises,  however,  to  secure  their  full 
benefit,  should  be  couj^ed  either  with  some  object  of  utility  or  amuse- 
ment, otherwise  the  mind  is  apt  to  labor  adversely  to  the  body.         < 

Whea  I  say  that  exercise  is  what  is  wanted  to  restore  to  health  the 
weak  and  languid,  I  mean  that  it  is  not  so  much  exercise  that  is  wanted 
as  the  exhilarating  effect  which  the  enjoyment  of  exercise  produces.  A 
man  who  exercises  half  an  hour  unwillingly  in  his  wood-shed,  is  not  bene- 
fited in  the  degree  one  is  who  takes  an  hour's  walk  for  pleasure  through 
a  beautiful  country. 

It  is  the  enjoyment  of  exercise  in  which  consists  its  chief  est  excellence. 
It  is  the  diversion  of  the  mind  from  the  ailments  of  the  body.  The  in- 
valid is  by  this  drawn  away  from  himself. 

What  can  better  accompUsh  this  object  than  amusement?  Laughter 
and  Uvely  talk  may  be  said  to  be  a  species  of  exercise — mental  exercise 
— which  is  very  often  as  beneficial  to  an  invalid  as  physical  exercise. 
Anything  that  will  induce  a  fit  of  laughtei  must  have  an  influence  in 
promoting  an  active  circulation  of  blood,  and,  as  we  have  seen,  it  is  ne- 
cessary to  health  that  the  blood  should  be  duly  aerated  and  How  with  en- 
ergy through  the  system.  Whatever  means  may  be  employed  to  give 
rapid  circulation  to  the  blood  must  be  conducive  to  health.  I  beUeve, 
then,  most  fully  in  vising  all  proper  means  of  amusement  which  will  cheer 
the  invalid,  and  thus  be  a  mental  stimulus  or  avixiliary  to  the  preservation 
and  restoration  of  health. 

So,  not  only  are  amusements  which  afford  exercise  to  the  mental  f  acul^ 
ties  useful,  but  occupation — some  useful  business  pursuit,  which  requires, 
and  hence  secures,  atteutior.  and  labor  during  several  hours  of  each  day 
— is  absolutely  essential  to  the  high  sanitary  condition  of  the  body,  for 


THE    COMPLETR    HERBALIST.  189 

nothing  else  will  insure  so  constant,  regular,  and  equally  divided  exer- 
cise for  both  mmd  and  body. 

Walking,  running,  leaping,  hopping,  dancing,  rowing  boats,  etc.,  are 
physiologically  adapted  to  strengthen  the  whole  muscular  system.  Even 
boxing  and  fencing  are  to  be  advised  when  properly  regulated.  Wres- 
tling is  a  dangerous  method  of  developing  muscular  power.  Ten-pins, 
billiards,  etc.,  are  excellent  exercises,  but  useful  employment  is  better. 
Singing,  declaiming,  reading,  etc.,  are  admirable  methods  of  cultivat- 
ing the  vocal  powers,  and  increasing  the  capacity  of  the  respiratory  ap- 
paratus. Riding  on  horseback,  hunting,  fishing,  etc. ,  are  all  more  or  less 
beneficial  in  the  prevention  of  disease  and  i^romotLag  good  health.  Ri- 
ding in  easy  carriages,  sailing  in  boats,  swinging,  and  other  passive  exer- 
cises, are  all  to  be  duly  considered  as  remedial  expedients  for  invalids. 

Amid  the  many  vicissitudes  of  fortune  and  the  moral  crosses  to  which 
female  life  is  doomed,  I  recommend  healthful  exercise  of  the  body,  in 
order  that  the  material  fabric  may  be  fortified  against  the  thousand 
causes  of  disease  continually  assailing  the  sex. 

Woman  comes  earlier  to  maturity  by  several  years  than  man.  The 
tree  of  hfe  blossoms  and  bears  fruit  sooner  in  the  one  sex  than  in  the 
other.  It  also  sooner  withers  and  sheds  its  leaves, — but  does  not  sooner 
die.  Female  life  at  any  period  is  fully  as  good, — perhaps  a  little  better 
in  respect  to  probable  duration, — than  that  of  the  male.  It  is  during  the 
period  of  from  fourteen  to  twenty-one  years  that  the  seeds  of  female 
diseases  are  chiefly  sown — or,  at  least,  that  the  soil  is  specially  prepared 
for  their  reception  and  growth.  The  predisposition  to  infirmities  and 
disorders  of  various  kinds  is  affected  by  acts  of  omission  and  commis- 
sion. In  the  first  class  need  I  mention  the  deficiency  of  healthy  exer- 
cise of  the  body  in  the  open  air,  and  of  intellectual  exercise  in  judicious 
studies.  The  hoop  and  the  skip-rope,  even  in  city  homes,  might  useful- • 
ly  supersede  the  piano,  the  harp,  and  guitar,  for  one  hour  in  the  day,  at 
least.  In  schools  and  seminaries  there  is  no  excuse — and,  indeed,  in 
many  of  them  this  salutary,  pomt  of  hygiene  is  well  attended  to.  In 
others,  however,  gymnastic  exercises  have  been  hastily  thrown  aside— 
partly  because  some  enthusiasts  have  carried  them  to  excess — paHly  be- 
cause they  were  supposed  to  be  inimical  to  the  effeminacy  of  shape  and 
features  so  much 'prized  by  parents  and  progeny, — but  chiefly,  I  suspect, 
from  that  languor  and  disinclination  to  exertion  which  characterize  the 
higher  and  even  the  middle  classes  of  female  youth.  This  deficiency  of 
exercise  in  the  open  air  may  be  considered  the  parent  of  one-half  of  fe- 
male disorders.  The  pallid  complexions,  the  languid  movements,  the 
torpid  secretions,  the  flaccid  muscles  and  disordered  functions  (including 
glandular  swellings),  and  consumption  itself,  attest  the  truth  of  this  as- 
sertion. 

The  exercises  of  email  children  consist  in  giving  them  the  largest  lib- 


190  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

erty  and  plenty  of  room.  The  cradle  is 'a  most  pernicious  method  of 
exercising  a  child  to  sleep,  and  shoiild  be  discarded  from  every  family. 
For  the  ordinary  or  wakeful  exercises  of  a  child,  the  modem  "baby 
jumper"  will  be  found  a  preferable  contrivance.  Among  the  poorer 
classes,  the  children,  for  want  of  room,  to  stir  in,  are  apt  to  become 
sickly,  puny,  peevish,  and  often  idiotic. 

The  best  time  for  exercise  is  in  the  morning,  an  hour  or  so  before 
breakfast,  when  the  stomach  is  partially  empty.  If  it  should  happen  to 
be  entirely  empty,  or  nearly  so,  it  should  be  fortified  with  a  cracker  or 
two,  or  some  other  light  aliment.  Vigorous  evening  exercises  may  also 
be  employed  by  persons  of  sedentary  habits  with  great  advantage. 
"  Night  work,"  when  mental  or  physical,  is  at  once  a  \iolation  of  the 
natural  order  of  things. 

Thus,  if  you  would  preserve  your  health,  you  must  take  exercise,  but 
not  exercise  exceeding  your  strength.  Remember,  the  body  must  be 
induced  to  throw  off  its  waste  by  action  before  it  can  be  nourished. 
Nevertheless,  it  should  also  be  remembered,  that  exercises  of  extreme 
severity  are  never  required  in  ordinary  cases  of  health,  while  in  disease 
it  must  be  incompatible  with  the  strength  and  circumstances  which 
Burround  the  patient.  With  plentiful  bodily  exercise  you  can  scarlpely 
be  ill, — without  bodily  exertion  you  cannot  possibly  be  well.  By  ' '  well," 
I  mean  the  enjojTuent  of  as  much  strength  as  may  be  consistent  with 
yoiir  natural  physique. 

Exercise  should  be  taken  to  the  extent  of  quickened  breathing  and 
sensible  persi)iration.  If  in  health,  walk,  when  possible,  at  least  from 
one  to  two  miles  every  morning  before  breakfast.  The  invalid  should 
go  out  into  the  open  air,  and  ramble  to  the  degree  of  strength  he  may 
possess,  avoiding  fatigue. 

Exercise  gives  health,  vigor,  and  cheerfulness,  sound  sleep  and  a  keen 
appetite.  Indeed,  the  effects  of  sedentary  thoughtfulness  are  diseases 
that  embitter  and  shorten  life — interrupt  rest — give  tasteless  meals, 
perpetual  languor,  and  ceaseless  anxiety. 

Cheerfid  exercise,  when  at  all  practicable  to  be  taken,  whether  active 
or  passive,  is  absolutely  an  indispensable  means  to  prevent  or  guard 
against  disease,  and  to  assist  in  the  recuperative  action  of  medicine 
when  the  body  has  become  diseased.  ♦ 

Air  and  Sunshine. 

As  air  may  be  said  to  be  the  very  pabulum  of  life,  it  is  highly  essen- 
tial that  it  should  be  pure, — inasmuch  as  any  deterioration  of  it  never 
faUs  to  render  the  blood  impure,  and  thus  ultimately  to  affect  both 
mind  and  body. 

Air  covers  the  entire  globe,  pressing  alike  upon  laud  and  water,  hav- 
ing a  depth  of  about  forty -five  miles.     This  vast  ocean  of  air  we  call  an 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  191 

atmosphere,  from  two  Greek  words,  signifying-  vapor  and  space,  — it  being 
an  immense  fluid  sphere  or  globe.  This  atmosphere  presses  upon  man, 
and  upon  every  object  on  the  surface  of  the  earth,  with  a  force  equal  to 
fifteen  pounds  to  every  square  inch.  A  man  of  average  size  has  a  sur- 
face of  two  thousand  five  hundred  square  inches  ;  accordingly,  the  air  in 
which  he  lives  presses  upon  him  with  a  weight  of  eighteen  tons.  This 
would  of  course  crush  every  bone  in  his  body,  but  for  the  fluids  within 
him,  which  establish  an  equiKbrium,  and  leave  him  unoppressed. 

Pure  air  contains  seventy-nine  parts  of  nitrogen  and  twenty-one 
parts  of  oxygen.  If  we  add  a  single  part  more  of  oxygen  to  the  air,  it 
would  no  longer  be  atmospheric  air,  but  aqua  fortis,  an  element  capable 
of  destroying  everything  coming  beneath  its  terrible  jaower. 

The  quantity  of  air  consumed  by  a  man  of  average  size  at  each  inspi- 
ration, is  from  fifteen  to  forty  cubic  inches,  according  to  the  capacity  of 
the  lungs.  Thus,  in  about  an  hour,  a  person  consumes  about  six  thou- 
sand and  sixty -six  pints,  or  two  hogsheads  of  air.  This  air  meets  in  the 
lirngs  in  one  hour,  about  one  half  of  that  amount  of  blood,  or  twenty- 
four  in  twenty-four  hours.  In  other  words,  the  quantity  of  blood  which 
circulates  through  the  system  is  estimated  to  be  about  one-eighth  of 
the  weight  of  the  body.  So  that  a  man  weighing  one  hundred  and 
fifty  pounds  will  have  in  his  circulation  about  eighteen  and  three- 
quarter  pounds  of  blood.  The  whole  of  this  large  quantity  of  blood  has 
been  proved,  by  carefiol  experiment,  to  circulate  through  the  blood- 
vessels in  the  almost  incredible  brief  period  of  sixty-five  and  seventy- 
six  one-hundredths  seconds  of  time,  and  that  is  veiy  little  over  one 
minute  !  This  indeed  seems  wonderful,  when  we  consider  the  vast  ex- 
tent of  vessels  it  has  to  travel  through  ;  the  arteries,  the  veins,  and  the 
minute  capillaries  through  which  it  must  be  urged  with  no  little  force. 

The  physiology  of  the  respiratory  f iinctions  explains  the  relation  of  an 
abundant  supply  of  air  to  the  maintenance  of  health  and  the  attainmeufc 
of  longevity.  Fresh  air  in  the  lungs  is  so  immediately  essential  to  life, 
that  most  animals  in  less  than  one  minute,  when  deprived  of  it,  suffo- 
cate, become  unconscious,  and  appear  to  be  dead, — real  death  occurring 
in  a  few  minutes  if  air  is  not  supplied. 

There  are  at  least  three  objects  to  be  accomplished  by  breathing, 
namely :  the  renewal  of  the  blood  and  the  taking  of  imjiurities  out  of  it ; 
the  warming  of  the  body ;  and  the  finishing  up  of  the  process  of  diges- 
tion, and  the  change  of  chyle  into  nutritive  blood.  That  carbonic  acid 
and  water  are  borne  out  of  the  lungs  with  every  breath  may  be  easily 
proved.  If  we  breathe  into  lime-water,  it  will  become  white.  This  is 
owing  to  the  carbonic  acid  in  the  breath  uniting  with  the  lime,  and  pro- 
ducing carbonate  of  lime.  Then  if  we  breathe  upon  a  piece  of  glass,  it 
becomes  wet,  showing  that  there  is  watery  vapor  in  the  breath.  That 
fche  blood  receives  oxygen  from  the  air  we  breathe,  is  proved  by  the  fact 


193  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

that  the  in-going  breath  has  one-fourth  more  oxygen  in  it  than  the  out- 
going. The  lungs,  then,  take  out  of  all  the  air  we  breathe  one-fourth 
of  its  oxygen.  If  we  breathe  it  over  a  second,  a  third,  or  a  fourth  time, 
it  not  only  has  less  oxygen  each  tiiue,  and  is  less  useful  for  the  purposes 
of  respiration,  but  it  becomes  positively  more  hurtful  by  reason  of  the 
poisonous  carbonic  acid  which,  at  every  out-goiug  breath,  it  carries  with 
it  from  the  lungs. 

Equal  in  importance  with  the  quantity  of  air  we  breathe  is  its  purity. 
The  supply  of  air  for  an  ordinary  man  to  breathe  each  minute,  is  from 
seven  to  ten  cubic  feet.  Now,  suppose  a  himdred  persons  to  be  con- 
fined in  a  room  thirty  feet  in  length,  breadth,  and  height,  the  room 
containing  nearly  thirty  thousand  cubic  feet,  it  follows  that  the  whole 
air  of  the  room  would  be  rendered  unfit  for  respiration  on  account  of  the 
vast  volume  of  carbonic  acid  thrown  out  of  the  lungs  and  skin  of  the 
one  hundred  persons  thus  crowded  together.  This  proves  the  import- 
ance of  always  having  an  abundant  sujjply  of  pure  atmospheric  air 
always  kept  in  circulation  in  crowded  assemblies,  chui'ches,  school- 
rooms, theatres,  factories,  workshops,  and  dwellings. 

Consider  the  effect  of  sleeping  in  a  small  room,  seven  feet  by  liine, 
not  furnished  with  the  means  of  ventilation.  If  a  person  sleeps  eight 
hours  in  such  a  room,  he  will  spoil  during  the  time  one  thousand  nine 
hundred  and  twenty  cubic  feet  of  air,  rendering  the  air  of  the  room 
positively  dangerous  to  breathe.  Every  disease  is  aggravated  by  the 
breathing  of  bad  air !  Yet  it  is  common  to  close  aU  the  doors  and 
windows  where  sick  persons  are  confined,  lest  the  patients  should  take 
cold.  This  is  a  bad  practice.  The  sick  should  have  plenty  of  fresh 
air.  Their  comfort  is  promoted  by  it,  and  their  recovery  hastened.  It 
it  utterly  impossible  for  the  lungs  to  be  expanded  in  an  impure  atmos- 
phere, because  the  air-passages,  imtated  by  the  extraneous  particles, 
spasmodically  contract  to  keep  them  out.  The  consequence  of  this  is, 
those  persons  who  reside  permanently  in  an  atmosphere  charged  with 
foreign  ingredients  or  miasms,  find  their  lungs  continually  contract- 
ing. 

All  sedentary  habits  weaken  the  abdominal  muscles,  and  thereby 
lessen  the  activity  of  the  breathing  process.  Intense  mental  applica- 
tion, if  long  continued,  powerfully  diminishes  the  respiratory  functions. 
Per.sons  habitually  in  deep  thought,  with  the  brain  laboring  at  its  utmost 
capacity,  do  not  breathe  deep  and  free,  and  are  consequently  short- 
lived. All  crooked  or  constrained  bodily  positions  affect  respiration 
injuriously.  Reading,  writing,  sitting,  standing,  speaking,  or  laboring, 
with  the  trunk  of  the  body  bent  forward,  is  extremely  hurtful.  In  all 
mechanical  or  manual  labor,  the  body  should  be  bent  or  lean  on  the 
hip  joints.  The  trunlv  s'.iould  always  be  kept  straight.  Dispense  with 
bed-CLulains,  if  you  can.      In  sleep  the  head  should  never  be  raised 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  193 

very  high,  as  that  position  oppresses  the  hmgs  ;  nor  should  the  slee^jer 
iooline  toward  the  face  with  the  shoulders  thrown  forward. 

Grates  and  fire-places  secure  much  better  ventilation  than  stovea 
No  stove,  especially  furnaces,  should  be  used  without  the  means  of  the 
free  admission  of  external  air  into  the  room.  Lamps,  candles,  gas-burn- 
ers, etc.,  are  so  many  methods  of  consuming  oxygen  and  rendering  the 
air  irrespirable.  Smoking  lamps  are  a  veiy  common  source  of  vitiated 
ail'.  The  bad  air  of  steamboats,  railroad  cars,  stages,  omnibuses,  etc. , 
are  a  source  of  constant  suffering  to  many.  I  may  here  remark  that 
the  general  misapprehension  of  the  theoiy  of  catching  cold  frequently 
produces  the  evil  sought  to  be  avoided.  More  colds  are  taken  in  over- 
heated than  in  too  cold  places,  and  still  more  are  owing  to  vitiated 
or  foul  air.  In  sleeping  and  other  apartments,  where  thorough  ventila- 
tion is  impossible,  the  air  may  be  rapidly  changed  and  materially  fresh- 
ened, by  opening  all  the  doors  and  windows,  and  then  swinging  one 
door  violently  forward  and  backward.  The  rules  of  ventilation  apply  to 
all  rooms  and  apartments  alike,  whether  in  dwelling-houses  or  travelling 
vehicles.  There  is  no  necessity  for  breathing  air  which  has  lost  a  part 
of  its  oxygen  and  acquired  a  portion  of  carbonic  acid.  The  supply  of 
good  air  is  amjile. 

In  connection  with  a  full  supply  of  atmospheric  air  to  every  human 
being,  the  importance  of  plenty  of  sunshine  is  not  to  be  overlooked. 
Pure  air  for  the  kmgs  and  bright  sunlight  for  the  eyes,  is  a  physiological 
maxim  which  should  never  be  forgotten.  The  nutritive  process  is  ma- 
terially checked  in  aU  vegetable  and  animal  life  when  deprived  of  light 
for  a  considerable  time.  In  the  case  of  vegetables,  they  become  etio- 
lated or  blanched.  Almost  the  entire  population  of  our  large  cities 
who  occupy  back  rooms  and  rear  buildings  where  the  sun  never  shines, 
and  cellars  and  vaults  below  the  level  of  the  ground,  on  the  .shaded 
side  of  narrow  streets,  is  more  or  less  diseased.  Of  those  who  do  not 
die  of  acute  diseases  a  majority  exhibit  unmistakable  marks  of  imper- 
fect development  and  deficient  vitality.  During  the  prevalence  of  epi- 
demics, as  the  cholera,  the  shaded  side  of  a  narrow  street  invariably 
exhibits  the  greatest  ratio  of  fatal  cases.  A  certain  amount  of  shade 
is  essential  to  comfort,  but  when  it  reaches  the  point  of  eiicluding 
svmshine  to  a  large  degree,  it  becomes  a  positive  evil.  Let  us  always 
welcome  the  visits  of  the  healthful  air  and  glowing  simshine,  and  look 
out  continually  for  the  essential  conditions  of  vigor  and  cheerfulness. 

Old  Aoe,  or  Longevity. 

The  true  jihilosophy  of  life  is  to  live  and  enjoy — to  use  and  not  abuse 
the  essentials  to  human  longevity  and  happiness.  As  we  read  in  Holy 
Writ,  in  the  earlier  history  of  man,  when  the  air  was  free  from  infec- 
tion, the  soil  exempt  from  pollution,  and  man's  food  was  plain  and 


194  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

natural,  individuals  lived  on  the  average  four  or  five  hundred  years; 
the  maximum  point  of  longevity  recorded — that  in  the  case  of  Methu- 
selah— being  nine  hundred  and  sixty-nine  years.  Without  speculating 
upon  the  problem  whether  the  years  of  the  early  historians  included  the 
same  period  of  time  as  the  years  of  our  present  almanac,  it  is  sufficient 
ifor  all  practical  purjioses  to  know  the  general  law,  that  human  lives 
may  be  lengthened  to  one  or  two  hundred  years,  or  dwindled  to  the 
"  shortest  span,"  by  our  vokmtary  or  individual  habits.  If  it  can  be 
proved  that  any  one  man  has  lived  one  hundred,  two  hundred,  or  even 
thi'ee  hundred  years,  under  favorable  hygienic  circtunstances,  it  will  be 
sufficient  evidence  of  a  physiological  principle  that  most  men  may  attain 
to  similar  extreme  longevity,  by  a  mere  simple  obedience  to  the  natural 
laws  of  his  being. 

The  examples  of  extreme  longevity  are  too  numerous  to  be  detailed 
even  in  a  book  of  many  pages,  but  a  few  examples  may  be  cited  on  this 
point.  Haller,  the  celebrated  English  physician,  during  his  time  col- 
lected more  than  one  thousand  cases  of  persons  in  Europe  who  attained 
the  ages  of  from  one  hundred  to  one  hundred  and  seventy  years.  In 
Baker's  "  Curse  of  England,"  we  find  a  list  of  one  hundred  individuals 
whose  ages  ranged  from  ninety-five  to  three  hundred  and  seventy  ! 
Twenty-two  of  these  reached  the  age  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  and  up- 
wards, and  thirty  exceeded  one  hundred  and  twenty  years.  Modem 
statistics  exhibit  numerous  examples  of  persons  in  the  United  States 
and  all  i^arts  of  the  world  attaining  more  than  one  hundred  years.  In- 
deed, it  was  common  to  the  American  Indians,  previous  to  the  introduc- 
tion of  ' '  fire-water  "  among  them,  to  hve  to  one  hundred  years  of  age  ; 
although,  as  a  general  rule,  the  duration  of  life  among  savage  races  is 
much  shorter  than  among  the  civilized  and  cultivated  people  of  the 
globe. 

In  our  present  artificial  state  of  society,  it  is  not  prol)able  that  one  in 
a  thousand  iiersons  dies  a  natural  death.  Alas  !  disease  and  violence 
sweep,  vsdth  few  exceptions,  the  cntii^e  human  fan^ily  to  an  untimely 
grave.  Even  the  celebrated  Thomas  Parr,  who  died  at  one  hundi-ed 
and  fifty-two  years  of  age,  came  to  an  vmnatural  death  by  eating  too 
heartily  at  a  feast  given  in  his  honor  by  an  English  king  ;  while  Richard 
Lloyd,  who  was  in  full  health  and  vigor  at  one  hundred  and  thirty-two 
years,  died  soon  after  from  being  persuaded  to  eat  tlesh  meat  and  drink 
malt  liquor,  to  which  he  had  never  been  accustomed  in  all  his  life  before. 

On  physiological  principles,  natural  death  results  from  a  gradual  con- 
Bolidation  of  the  structures  of  the  body.  In  infancy  the  fluids  are  in 
much  larger  proportion  than  the  solids,  but  as  we  grow  older  the  fluids* 
decrease  and  the  solids  increase — thus  gradually  changing  the  flexibility 
and  elasticity  of  youth  to  the  stiffness  and  immobility  of  age.  Thus 
in  a  perfectly  normal  condition  of  the  organism,  all   the  fimctions, 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  195 

powers  and  senses  decline  in  the  same  harmonious  relations  in  which 
thej  were  developed.  As  the  process  of  condensation  goes  on  equally 
and  imperceptibly,  the  motive  powers  grow  torjoid,  the  nvxtritive  func- 
tions are  enfeebled,  the  sensibility  becomes  dull,  the  external  senses  are 
obtunded,  and  lastly,  the  mental  raanifestations  disappear — ^death  occurs 
without  a  struggle  or  a  groan. 

Certain  pohtical  and  social  economists  have  attempted  to  prove  that 
old  age  and  a  vast  population  are  not  desirable  things,  on  the  groixnd 
that,  while  population  increases  geometrically,  the  alimentary  produc- 
tions of  the  earth  only  increase  arithmetically  ;  hence,  that  some  scheme 
of  death  or  destniction  is  requisite  or  indisiiensable  to  kill  off,  or  clear 
the  ground  of  existing  human  beings  as  fast  as  the  coming  generations 
demand  their  places.  In  other  words,  that  it  is  necessary  that  disease, 
violence,  pestilence,  murder,  wars,  and  death  should  prevail,  because  of 
the  earth's  incai^acity  to  produce  suflBcient  food  for  the  whole  race  of 
human  beings,  were  all  permitted  to  hve  out  their  natural  lives  and  die 
a  natural  death.  A  small  amount  of  rational  investigation  will  show 
the  fallacies  of  all  such  theories.  Indeed,  under  existing  governments 
and  social  arrangements,  more  than  three-fourths  of  all  the  lands  and 
all  the  labor,  so  far  as  the  production  of  the  means  of  human  sustenance 
is  concerned,  is  literally  wasted,  or  worse  than  wasted  ;  while  a  large 
extent  of  the  earth's  surface  has  never  yet  been  brought  under  cultiva- 
tion, and  that  part  v^hich  is  cultivated  the  best  admits  of  vast  improve- 
ment. 

Casting  all  speculation  aside,  it  will  not  be  denied  that  this  earth  was 
made  the  residence  of  man,  and  that  God  exj^ressly  enjoined  upon  him 
lo  be  fruitful,  and  to  occupy  and  replenish  the  earth,  giving  him  at  the 
same  time  dominion  over  all  the  vegetable  and  animal  kingdoms,  as  a 
means  for  subsistence  and  happiness,  while  progressing  through  the 
gradual  stages  of  his  natural  or  terrestrial  existence.  Hence,  the  Crea- 
tor did  not  bring  man  into  existence  without  first  furnishing  him  with 
the  means  of  an  abundant  supply  of  all  the  elements  requisite  for  a  long 
life  of  health  and  joy.  Man,  however,  has  grossly  violated  the  laws  of 
nature,  and  blundered  on  in  his  perversity,  till  life  has  actually  become 
a  grievous  burden,  and  extreme  old  age  a  great  and  moral  curse  instead 
of  a  divine  and  special  blessing. 

Were  it  necessary,  a  thousand  reasons  might  be  given  for  believing 
that  the  earth  now  has,  and  always  will  have,  room  and  food  enough 
for  all  the  population  that  cin  be  produced  by  human  beings  who  Uvo 
agreeably  to  the  laws  of  their  natural  organisTQ.  Indeed,  it  is  a  philo- 
sophical maxim  that  "intensive  life  cannot  be  extensive."  The  races 
of  man  have  now  a  hurried,  stimulated,  forced  and  disorderly  exist- 
ence, marrying  at  too  early  an  age,  bringing  myriads  of  children  into 
the  world,  ' '  scarce  half  made  up,"  only  to  perish  by  thousands  in  tho 


196  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

earliest  infancy,  or  to  drawl  out  a  miserable  and  unhealthy  existence,  if 
their  lives  are  prolonged  to  manhood's  estate,  and  sink  at  last,  even 
then,  into  premature  graves,  from,  continued  and  perverse  abuses  of  the 
hygienic  and  dietetic  rules  of  life. 

As  already  said,  if  the  body  develops  itself  slowly  and  healthfully 
(as  it  always  will  in  its  natural  state),  it  is  only  reasonable  to  suppose 
that  the  periods  of  infancy,  childhood,  and  adolescence  or  maturity 
would  be  greatly  prolonged  by  the  more  simple  conformity  to  the  ori- 
ginal laws  of  our  being ;  the  period  of  youth  might  and  would  be 
extended  to  what  we  now  call  "  old  age,"  say  "  threescore  and  ten," 
and  "'threescore  and  ten"  would  be  but  the  beginning  of  vigorous 
manhood  to  be  indefinitely  prolonged,  reaching  on  to  a  hundred,  or  even 
two  hundred  years ! 

The  special  means  to  insure  sound  health  and  a  long  life  are  to  avoid 
all  errors  in  diet  and  personal  habits.  As  the  fluids  and  solids  of  the 
human  organism  are  formed  from  the  materials  taken  into  the  stomach 
as  food  and  drink,  it  follows  that  we  all  ought  to  abstain  more  than  we 
do  from  concentrated  materials  of  aliment,  and  live  more  on  fruits  and 
vegetable  substances,  and  fret  ourselves  less  with  the  cares  of.'  the 
world  ;  so  all  individuals  would  be  able  to  maintain  the  juices  o^  the 
body,  and  reduce,  in  a  large  degree,  the  solid  elements  which  induce 
rigidity  of  muscles,  thickening  of  membrane,  contraction  of  organs,  all 
leading  to  disease,  premature  debility,  old  age,  and  death. 

Let  us  all  then  strive  to  return  to  the  elementary  i)rinciples  of  organic 
or  human  life.  Let  our  diet  be  plain,  simple,  and  of  a  juicy  nature. 
Let  us  refrain  from  excesses  of  all  kinds,  whether  connected  with  our 
mental  or  physical  powers,  and  thereby  secure  a  long  lease  on  life,  at- 
tended with  a  thousand  blessings  unknown  to  those  who  lead  ' '  fast 
lives."  eat  and  drink  immoderately,  and  indulge  in  the  various  forms  of 
intemperate  or  luxurious  habits.  It  is  never  too  late  to  commence  a 
reform  in  all  these  things.  The  oldest  person  now  living  might  prolong 
his  life  to  an  indefinite  period,  by  avoiding  the  errors  named,  and  sub- 
mitting himself  to  the  prior-ordeal  mandates  of  nature.  To  assist 
Nature  in  her  work  of  regeneration  and  recuperation  of  the  human  or- 
ganism, my  "Renovating  Pills"  will  be  found  of  most  wonderful  effi- 
cacy in  connection  with  the  hygienic  and  dietetic  requirements  already 
indicated.  They  will  thus  prolong  the  period  of  youth  to  vigorous 
manhood,  and  "vigorous  manhood  to  the  extremest  limit  of  life  ever  yet 
vouchsafed  to  the  human  being.  The  already  "  old  and  feeble,"  so 
called,  may  be  sure  of  having  their  lives  greatly  prolonged,  and  finally, 
in  the  inevitable  ordinances  of  Heaven,  or  the  law.s  of  gradual  progress 
and  decay,  passing  away  with  cheerful  resignation  and  peace  to  that 
xnysterioiis  bourne  frgro  which  UQ  mortal  traveller  ever  has  returned. 


the  complete  herbalist.  197 

Life,  Health,  and  Disease. 

What  is  life  ?  In  general  terms  life  may  be  said  to  be  a  subtle  ema- 
nation of  Deity — a  principle  that  pervades  all  the  works  of  creation, 
whether  organic  or  inorganic.  It  is  a  sort  of  Entity,  whose  nature  is 
as  mysterious  and  unfathomable  as  that  of  Divinity  himself.  Many 
scientific  men  have  contended  that  life  is  electricity^  and  arguments  and 
experiments  have  been  adduced  to  show  that  such  is  the  fact.  For 
instance,  a  scientific  body  of  France  pulverized  stone,  and  by  the  use  of 
electricity  produced  from  the  atoms  Living  insects.  But  this  and  similar 
experiments  are  accepted  as  evidence  that  electricity  is  not  life,  but  is  a 
leading  phenomenon  of  its  actuality.  Life  is  something  neither  physical 
nor  spiritual.  It  is  allied  to  both,  but  is  neither.  It  is  not  soul,  for 
soul  is  something  infinitely  higher  than  life — a  something  of  which  life 
itself  is  but  an  inadequate,  visible  manifestation. 

Health  is  perhaps  a  subtle  thing,  yet  most  importantly  palpable  to 
our  senses  and  perceptions.  It  is  that  state  of  the  human  body  in  which 
the  structure  of  all  the  x^arts  is  sound,  and  then-  functions  regularly  and 
actively  performed,  rendering  the  individual  fit  for  all  the  duties  and 
enjoyments  of  life.  Or,  in  other  words,  it  is  that  condition  of  the  ani- 
mal economy  when  the  functions  of  all  the  organs,  beginning  with  the 
heart  and  lungs,  act  in  natural  and  harmonious  relation,  the  one  with  the 
other,  and  the  whole  together,  rendering  existence  not  only  a  state  of 
completeness,  but  a  pleasure,  a  beauty,  and  a  charm,  and  therefore  the 
chiefest  cause  and  leading  feature  of  aU  from  which  the  human  being 
derives  that  phase  of  joy  caUed  bliss.  In  the  various  temperaments  the 
phenomena  of  health  are  somewhat  different ;  hence,  what  would  at  once 
preserve  it  in  one,  might  not  jireserve  it  in  or  restore  it  to  another,  until 
some  reasonable  period  of  time  had  elapsed.  Health  varies  much  in 
people  of  the  many  occupations  which  necessity  and  circumstances 
compel  them  to  adopt  for  a  livelihood  or  for  pleasure,  and  the  acute- 
ness  of  the  senses  which  would  be  necessaiy  in  some  recreative  or  pro- 
ductive occupations,  would  be  morbid  in  persons  otherwise  engaged. 
But  the  general  symptoms  of  health  are,  in  all  temperaments,  a  spark- 
ling eye,  a  clean  skin,  a  white  and  rose-blended  complexion  (unless 
where  the  temperament  naturally  prescribes  a  rich  and  glowing  olive), 
ruby  lips,  pearly  teeth,  untainted  breath,  glossy  hair,  expanded  chest, 
elastic  spine,  muscular  limbs,  symmetrical  waist,  well  built  and  firm 
pelvis,  fleshy  thighs  and  calves,  and  a  buoyant  grace  of  the  whole  body. 
Added  to  these  we  have  a  rich  and  melodious  voice  (wherever  the 
slightest  hoarseness  or  discordance  of  tone  is  noticed  look  for  dan- 
ger), and  a  calm  and  cultivated  spirit  in  the  old,  a  joyous  spirit  in  the 
young.  What  munificent  gifts  are  these,  and  who  should  fail,  by  every 
means  in  his  power,  to  secure  them  ?    Disease  is  the  opposite  of  health, 


198  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

and  means  any  departure  from  the  normal  condition  of  the  general 
organism,  or  any  impairment  or  derangement  of  any  fmiction  by  which 
the  regular  action  of  any  other  one  or  of  the  whole  are  made  or  forced 
to  work  in  an  irregular  or  imuatural  manner^ — producing  and  entailing 
disorder,  pain,  miserj',  and  death  !  We  see  disease  in  the  lustreless  and 
phrenzied  eye,  in  the  pallid  and  sunken  cheeks,  in  the  parched  lips,  in 
the  jaundiced  or  yellow  skin,  in  the  contracted  chest,  in  the  difficult 
respiration,  in  the  racking  cough,  in  the  expectoration  of  tubercles  and 
sputa  from  the  lungs,  in  the  palpitating  heart,  in  the  scrofulous  sores 
and  ulcers,  in  the  bloated  or  attenuated  abdomen,  in  the  disabled  legs 
and  arms,  in  decayed  teeth  and  toothless  jaws,  in  fetid  breath,  in 
crooked  spine,  in  the  deformed  pelvis,  in  aU  derangements  of  the  sexual 
organs,  in  baldness,  in  disordered  stomach  and  bowels,  in  neuralgias, 
rheumatisms,  leprosies,  spasms,  epilepsies,  palsies,  loss  of  the  senses  of 
Bight,  hearing,  smelling,  taste  and  touch,  hyiiochondrias,  manias,  drunk- 
enness, pains,  aches,  wounds,  bruises,  maimings,  and  in  innumerable 
other  agonies  !  With  the  simple  methods  by  which  health  can  be  pre- 
served by  those  who  were  born  to  health,  how  astonishing  it  is  tha£  dis- 
ease and  misery  are  the  general  rule,  and  health  and  pleasure  the 
exception  !  Who  of  aU  the  human  race  may  now  say,  "  I  have  health  ! 
I  am  actually  living  in  a  state  of  nature,  or  in  that  perfect  mental  and 
physical  condition  in  which  I  was  or  ought  to  have  been  bom. "  Not 
one,  is  my  reply.  We  may  therefore  regard  life  as  a  negative  rather 
than  a  positive  quality  of  existence.  Occasionally  there  may  be  freedom 
from  the  slightest  degree  of  actual  suffering,  and  yet  that  pleasurable 
condition  which  would  be  natural  to  the  regular  co-oijerative  work  of  all 
the  organs  of  the  body  will  be  wanting. 

In  health  our  moments  fly  on  lightning  wing,  and  we  are  scarcely 
conscious  of  their  rapid  exit ;  in  sickness,  on  the  contrary,  our  moments 
are  clogged  with  leaden  heels,  and  pass  in  that  lingering  manner  as  to 
render  our  sufferings  seemingly  the  more  acute  by  reason  of  the  slow 
or  tardy  march  of  time.  To  the  sick,  time  does  not  pass  lightly,  but 
with  the  heavy  tread  of  a  giant. 

How  inestunable  is  that  state  of  being  comprehended  imder  the  name 
of  health  ! — yet  how  few  are  ever  led  to  consider  its  iiriceless  value  and 
importance.  Health,  perfect  health,  is  not  to  be  found  in  oui-  present 
age  among  the  races  of  men  ;  yet  even  in  its  negative  aspect,  its  most 
deteriorated  quality,  what  were  all  the  joys,  aU  the  riches,  all  the  ad- 
vantages of  this  world  without  its  possession  ?  Unless  all,  from  the 
highest  to  the  lowest,  from  the  king  to  the  beggar,  learn  to  prize  health 
and  avoid  disease, — death,  who  is  no  respecter  of  persons,  will  continue 
to  reap  his  rich  harvests  among  them  all.  Ca'sar  could  not  escape,  nor 
could  the  renowTi  of  a  thousand  victories  diffuse  an  auodynic  or  soporific 
influence  over  the  pfilow  of  the  great  Napoleon,  nor  save  the  laurels  of 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  19'J 

Mareng-0  from  the  blighting  mists  of  St.  Helena  !  Intellectual  cultiva- 
tion oftentimes  sows  the  seeds  of  physical  deterioration.  When  we  see 
that  the  prince  is  equally  liable  to  the  same  physical  and  mental  mis- 
eries as  the  vagrant,  it  becomes  everybody  to  bear  in  remembrance  the 
axiom  that  a  sound  body  is  the  natural  basis  of  a  sound  mind,  and  vice 
versa,  and  that  every  rational  method  should  be  adopted  to  preserve 
them.  I  have  shown  brielly  that  there  is  no  condition  or  state  of  man 
that  is  exempt  from  disease  and  death.  It  may  now  be  asked,  Are 
there  no  means  of  preventing  the  ravages  of  the  one,  and  postponing 
the  sad  triumph  of  the  other  ?  No  means  of  restoring  lost  health,  or  of 
rendering  sickness  compatible  with  contentment,  or  even  happiness 
itself  ?  Yes.  The  severest  diseases  are  and  may  be  prevented  ;  and 
are  curable  and  cured — even  consumption  itself  when  judicious  treat- 
ment is  applied.  All  right-thinking  persons  will  admit  that  sickness 
may  be  ob-sdated,  disease  mitigated,  and  even  death  robbed  of  his  prey 
for  years,  by  ajjproved  remedies  ritrhtly  employed. 

Regulating  the  Passions. 

It  has  been  truly  said  that  we  may  religiously  observe  all  the  laws  of. 
hygiene  in  relation  to  air,  light,  drink,  food,  temperature,  exercise, 
clothing,  sleep,  bathing,  and  the  excretions,  and  yet  lack  one  thing—  one 
grand  essential  to  human  health  and  happiness.  Yes,  if  our  passions 
are  our  masters  and  not  our  slaves,  tney  will  nUe  and  ruin  us  instead  of 
obeying  and  serving  our  behests.  There  is,  therefore,  no  single  hygienic 
influence  more  conducive  to  health,  happiness,  and  long  life,  than  a 
cheerful,  equitable  temper  of  mind  ;  and  there  is  nothing  that  will  more 
surely  disorder  the  bodily  functions,  exhaust  the  vital  energies,  and 
Btamp  premature  infirmities  on  the  constitution,  and  hurry  us  on  to  an 
early  grave,  than  an  uneven,  ii-ritable,  fretful,  or  passionate  mental 
habit. 

Medical  men,  at  least,  well  know  that  a  violent  fit  of  passion  will  sud- 
denly arrest,  alter,  or  modify  the  various  organic  secretions.  Excessive 
mental  emotion  will  deprave  and  \'itiate  the  secretions  as  readily  as  a 
deadly  poison  taken  into  the  stomach.  A  paroxj'sm  of  anger  will  render 
the  bile  as  acid  and  irritating  as  a  full  dose  of  calomel ;  excessive  fear 
wiU  relax  the  bowels  equal  to  a  strong  infusion  of  tobacco  ;  intense  grief 
will  arrest  the  secretions  of  gastric  juice  as  effectually  as  belladonna ; 
and  violent  rage  will  inake  the  Siiliva  as  poisonous  as  will  a  mercurial 
salivation.  There  are  many  persons  whose  rage,  either  thoroughly  real 
or  exaggerated,  is  so  violent  that  they  froth  at  the  mouth,  and  are 
thrown  into  spasms  or  violent  convulsions.  These  fits  of  anger  are  often 
assumed,  however,  by  designing  parties  for  the  purpose  of  frightening 
stem  parents  and  guardians  and  others  into  the  support  of  their  own 
views  and  wishes.     Such  persons,  finding  their  displays  copied  from 


200  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

nature  of  no  avail,  will  suddenly  become  tame  as  lambs,  but  the  effect 
upon  their  general  health  is  found  in  the  appearance  of  many  nervous 
disorg-anizations,  which,  if  the  cause  be  often  repeated,  become  per- 
manent. 

Thousands  of  facts  of  the  above  kind  could  be  mentioned,  but  enough 
has  been  presented  to  demonstrate  the  law  that  a  sound  body  cannot 
exist  unless  connected  with  a  well-balanced  mind.  A  vigorous  exercise 
of  the  higher  mental  powers,  a  lively  cultivation  of  the  intellectual 
faculties  and  the  moral  affections,  will  never  fail  to  sustain  and  elevate 
the  human  character,  while,  on  the  other  hand,  the  violent  indulgence 
of  the  animal  propensities  and  the  lower  order  of  the  passions,  will  wear 
out  the  mental  machinery  and  enervate  all  the  physiological  powers. 
Will  not  the  inspiration  of  love  exalt  the  soul  to  the  realms  of  "  bliss, 
exquisite  bliss  ? "  "Will  not  the  influence  of  hatred  depress  the  soul, 
and  sink  it  to  the  nethermost  depth  of  misery  and  despair  ?  Contrast 
the  emotions  of  benevolence,  or  gratitude,  or  veneration,  or  conscien- 
tiousness, or  mirthfulness,  or  faith,  or  hope,  ^\ath  that  of  envy,  revenge, 
jealousy,  fear,  grief,  remorse,  or  despair  !  The  first  are  as  refreshing 
,to  the  soul  as  the  gentle  dews  of  morn  to  the  tender  blades  of  grass ; 
the  other  as  withering  as  the  fiery  blasts  of  a  crater  to  the  verdant  vjfles. 
The  one  energizes  the  mind  and  reanimates  the  body — the  other  sinks, 
chills,  and  enfeebles  both  ;  one  manufactures,  creates  as  it  were,  vital 
power — the  other  wastes  and  destroys  body  and  soul. 

Those  who  would  maintain  permanent  and  uniform  health  and  live 
to  an  old  age,  will  perceive  the  necessity  for  cultivating  all  the  nobler 
impulses  of  our  nature  with  unremitting  care  and  judgment.  A\Ticn  we 
"nourish  wrath  to  keep  it  warm,"  we  only  add  to  the  venom  of  a 
malicious  heart.  That  anger  which  "dwells  only  in  the  bosom  of 
fools,"  should  have  no  inheritance  in  the  bosom  of  the  wise  and 
thoughtful  of  our  race.  The  "evils  of  life,"  whatever  they  may  be, 
are  often  "blessings  in  disguise,"  and  therefore  should  be  met  with  a 
brave  fortitude  and  courage,  in.stcad  of  wailing,  complaining  and  lamen- 
tation. Fretting,  scolding,  and  fault-finding,  not  only  aggravate  all 
the  necessary  evils  of  life,  but  greatly  multiply  them.  Wlien  we  in- 
dulge in  these  faults,  we  but  sow  the  dragon's  teeth  to  reap  a  harvest  of 
greater  sorrows.  More  than  this,  we  dissipate  un\\'isely  our  best  talents 
and  energies,  and  render  life  a  curse  instead  of  a  blessing.  The  grand 
essential,  therefore,  of  a  cheerful  mind  is  self-control.  This  is  the  great 
law  of  mental  hygiene.  Before  any  one  can  acquire  self-government, 
he  must  learn  to  govern  the  animal  propensities,  and  make  them  sub- 
servient to  the  intellectual  faculties  and  moral  sentiments.  It  may 
require  long,  patient,  and  thorough  discijjline  ;  it  may  cost  much  self- 
denial,  and  appear  to  demand  great  teini)orary  sacrifices,  but  it  is  worth 
all  it  may  cost.     Occasionally  it  is  acquired  through  long  years  of  bitter 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  201 

experience  ;  and  sometimes  the  greater  part  of  a  life  is  spent  in  suffer- 
ing disappointments,  troubles,  and  crosses,  ere  the  mind  is  found  at 
peace  with  itself,  and  in  right  relations  to  all  surrounding  nature. 
Happy  are  they  who  can,  even  in  such  expensive  schools,  learn  the  art 
of  adapting  themselves  to  the  invariable  laws  of  the  viniverse,  which 
they  cannot  successfully  oppose  or  in  any  respect  alter  !  Indeed, 
the  only  guarantee  a  man  can  have  for  a  long  life  of  health  and  happi- 
ness is  to  constantly  cherish  and  maintain  an  even,  cheerful,  and  hope- 
ful spirit. 

Things  for  the  Sick-Room. 

Barley  Water. — Pearl  barley,  two  ounces ;  boiling  water,  two 
quarts.  Boil  to  one  quart  and  strain.  If  desirable,  a  little  lemon-juice 
and  sugar  may  be  added.  This  may  be  taken  freely  in  aU  inflammatory 
and  eruptive  diseases  :  Measles,  Scarlet  Fever,  Small-Pox,  etc. 

Rice  Water. — Rice,  two  ounces;  water,  two  quarts.  Boil  one  hour 
and  a  half,  and  add  sugar  and  nutmeg  to  suit  the  taste.  When  milk  is 
added  to  this  it  makes  a  very  excellent  diet  for  children.  Should  the 
bowels  be  too  loose,  boil  the  milk  before  adding. 

Sage  Tea. — Dried  leaves  of  Sage,  half  an  ounce  ;  boiling  water,  one 
quart.  Infuse  for  half  an  hour  and  strain  ;  may  add  sugar  if  desired. 
Balm,  Peppermint,  Spearmint,  and  other  teas  are  made  in  the  same 
manner. 

A  Refreshing  Drink  in  Fevers. — Boil  an  ounce  and  a  half  of 
tamarinds,  two  ounces  of  stoned  raisins,  and  three  ounces  of  cranber- 
ries in  three  pints  of  water  until  two  pints  remain.  Strain,  and  add 
a  small  piece  of  fresh  lemon-peel,  which  must  be  removed  in  half  an 
hour. 

Arrow  Root  Jelly. — Stir  a  tablespoonful  of  arrow  root  powder 
into  half  a  cupful  of  cold  water,  pour  in  a  pint  of  boUing  water,  let  it 
stand  five  or  ten  minutes,  and  then  sweeten  and  flavor  it  to  suit  the 
taste. 

Irish  Moss  Jelly. — Irish  Moss,  half  an  ounce  ;  fresh  milk,  one  and 
a  half  pints.  Boil  down  to  a  pint.  Strain  and  add  sugar  and  lemon- 
juice  suiEcient  to  give  it  an  agreeable  flavor. 

Isinglass  Jelly. — Isinglass,  two  ounces  ;  water,  two  pints.  Boil 
to  one  point.  Strain,  and  add  one  pint  milk  and  one  ounce  of  white 
sugar.  This  is  excellent  for  persons  recovering  from  sickness,  and  for 
children  who  have  bowel  complaints. 

Tapioca  Jelly.— Tapioca,  two  large  spoonfuls ;  water,  one  pint. 
Boil  gently  for  an  hour,  or  until  it  appears  like  a  jelly ;  add  sugar,  wine, 
and  nutmeg,  with  lemon-juice  to  flavor. 

Rice  Jelly. — Mix  a  quarter  of  a  pound  of  rice,  picked  and  washed, 
with  half  a  pound  of  loaf  sugar,  and  just  sufficient  water  to  cover  it. 


202  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

Boil  until  it  assumes  a  jelly-like  appearance.  Strain,  and  season  to  suit 
the  taste  and  condition  of  the  patient. 

Grapes. — In  all  cases  of  fever,  very  ripe  grapes  of  any  kind  are  a 
beneficial  article  of  diet,  acting  as  both  food  and  drink,  and  possessing 
cooUng  and  soothing  properties.  They  are  also  extremely  grateful  to 
evers'  plate. 

Toast. — To  make  a  most  excellent  toast  for  a  reduced  or  convalescent 
patient,  take  bread  twenty-four  or  thirty-six  hours  old,  which  has  been 
made  of  a  mixture  of  fine  wheat  flour  and  Indian  meal,  and  a  pure  yeast 
batter  mixed  with  eggs.  Toast  it  until  of  a  delicate  brown,  and  then 
(if  the  patient  be  not  inclined  to  fever)  immerse  it  in  boiled  milk  and 
butter.  If  the  patient  be  feverish,  spread  it  hghtly  with  cranberry  jam 
or  calves'-foot  jelly. 

Rice.  — In  all  cases  where  a  light  and  nice  diet  for  parties  who  have 
been  or  are  afflicted  with  diarrhoea  or  dysentery  is  required,  rice,  in 
almost  any  cooked  form,  is  most  agreeable  and  advantageous.  It  may 
be  given  with  benefit  to  dyspeptics,  unless  costiveness  accompanies  the 
dyspepsia.  To  make  rice-pudding,  take  a  teacupful  of  rice,  and  as 
much  sugar,  two  quarts  of  milk,  and  a  teaspoonful  of  salt.  Bake,  vSvith 
a  moderate  heat,  for  two  hours.  Rice  flour  made  in  a  batter,*  and 
baked  upon  a  griddle,  makes  a  superb  cake  ;  and  rice-flour  gmel,  seasoned 
to  the  taste,  is  most  excellent  for  the  sick-room. 

Bkead  Jelly. — Boil  a  quart  of  water  and  let  it  cool.  Take  one- 
third  of  a  common  loaf  of  wheat  bread,  slice  it,  pare  off  the  crust,  and 
toast  it  to  a  light  browTi.  Put  it  in  the  water  in  a  covered  vessel,  and 
boU  gently,  till  you  find,  on  putting  some  in  a  spoon  to  cool,  the  liquid 
has  become  a  jelly.  Strain  and  cool.  "When  used,  warm,  a  cupful, 
sweeten  with  sugar,  and  add  a  little  grated  lemon-peel. 

Rice  Guuel. — Ground  rice,  one  heaping  table-spoonful;  water,  one 
quart.  Boil  gently  for  twenty  minutes,  adding,  a  few  minutes  before  it 
is  done,  one  table -spoonful  of  ground  cinnamon.  Strain  and  sweeten. 
Wine  may  be  added  when  the  case  demands  it. 

Wateu  Gkuel. — Oat  or  com  meal,  two  table-spoonfuls  ;  water,  one 
quart.  Boil  for  ten  minutes,  and  strain,  adding  salt  and  sugar  if  de- 
sired by  the  patient. 

Sago  Gruel. — Sago,  two  table-spoonfuls ;  water,  one  pint.  Boil 
gently  until  it  thickens ;  stir  frequently.  May  add  wine,  sugar,  and 
nutmeg,  according  to  circumstances. 

Arrow-Root  Grukl. — Arrow  root,  one  table-spoonful ;  sweet  mOk 
and  boiling  water,  each  one  half  pint.  Sweeten  with  loaf-sugar.  This 
is  verj'  good  for  children  whose  bowels  are  irritable. 

Decoction  oe  Bran. — New  wheat  bran,  one  pint;  water,  three 
quarts.  Boil  down  to  two  quarts,  strain  off  the  li(iuor,  and  add  sugar, 
honey  or  molasses,  according  to  the  taste  of  the  patient. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  203 

Tapioca. — Tapioca  is  a  very  delightful  food  for  invalids.  Make  an 
ordinary  pudding  of  it,  and  improve  the  flavor  agreeably  to  the  desire 
of  the  patient  or  convalescent,  by  adding  raisins,  sugar,  prunee,  lemon- 
jiaice,  wine,  spices,  etc. 

Beep  Liquid. — When  the  stomach  is  very  weak,  take  fresh  lean 
beef,  cut  it  into  strips,  and  place  the  strips  into  a  bottle,  wath  a  little 
salt.  Place  into  a  kettle  of  boiling  water  and  let  it  remain  one  hour. 
Pour  off  the  liquid  and  add  some  water.  Begin  with  a  small  quantity, 
and  use  in  the  same  manner  and  under  similar  circumstances  as  beef 
tea.     This  is  even  more  nourishing  than  beef  tea. 

Beep  Tea. — Cut  one  pound  of  lean  beef  into  shreds,  and  boil  for 
twenty  minutes  in  one  quart  of  water,  being  particular  to  remove  the 
scum  as  often  as  any  rises.  When  it  is  cool,  strain.  This  is  very  nour- 
ishing and  palatable,  and  is  of  great  value  in  all  cases  of  extreme 
debility  where  no  inflammatory  action  exists,  or  after  the  inflammation 
is  subdued.  In  very  low  cases,  a  small  tea-spoonful  may  be  adminis- 
tered every  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes,  gradually  increasing  the  amount 
given  as  the  powers  of  life  return.  In  cases  of  complete  prostration, 
after  the  cessation  of  long  exhausting  fever,  it  may  be  used  as  directed 
above,  either  alone  or  in  conjunction  with  a  little  wine. 

P.\NADO. — Put  a  little  water  on  the  fire  with  a  glass  of  wine,  some 
sugar,  and  a  little  grated  nutmeg  ;  boil  all  together  a  few  seconds,  and 
add  pounded  crackers  or  crumbs  of  bread  ;  and  again  boil  for  a  few 
minutes. 

FRENCn  Milk  Porridge. — Stir  some  oatmeal  and  water  together, 
let  the  mixture  stand  to  clear,  and  pour  off  the  water.  Then  put  more 
water  to  the  meal,  stir  it  well,  and  let  it  stand  till  the  next  day.  Strain 
through  a  fine  sieve,  and  boil  the  water,  adding  milk  while  so  doing. 
The  proportion  of  water  must  be  small.     With  toast  this  is  admirable. 

Common  Milk  Porridge  will  be  foimd  very  palatable  in  ordinary 
cases.     Everybody  knows  how  to  make  it. 

Buttermilk  Pap. — Fresh  buttermilk,  four  parts  ;  water,  one  part ; 
mix,  boil,  and  thicken  with  Indian  meal.  Eat  with  butter,  sugar,  or 
molasses. 

Coffee  MiLK.^Put  a  dessert-spoonful  of  ground  coffee  into  a  pint 
of  milk  ;  boil  it  a  quarter  of  an  hour  with  a  shaving  or  two  of  isinglass  ; 
let  it  stand  ten  minutes,  and  then  pour  off. 

Restorative  Jelly. — Take  a  leg  of  well-fed  pork,  just  as  cut  up, 
beat  it,  and  break  the  bone.  Set  it  over  a  gentle  fire,  with  three  gal- 
lons of  water,  and  simmer  to  one.  Let  half  an  ounce  of  mace  and  the 
same  of  nutmegs  stew  in  it.  Strain  through  a  fine  sieve.  When  cold, 
take  off  the  fat.  Give  a  chocolate-cup  the  first  and  last  thing,  and  at 
noon,  adding  salt  to  suit  the  taste.  This  is  very  valuable  in  all  cases 
ot  debility  where  animal  food  is  admissible. 


204  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

Drink  in  Dysentery. — Sheep's  suet,  two  ounces;  milk,  one  pint; 
starch,  half  an  ounce.  Boil  gently  for  thirty  minutes.  Use  as  a  com- 
mon drink.  This  is  excellent  for  sustaining'  the  strength  in  bad  cases 
of  dj'seutery. 

Crust  Coffee. — Toast  slowly  a  thick  piece  of  bread  cut  from  the 
outside  of  a  loaf,  until  it  is  well  browned,  but  not  blackened.  Then 
turn  upon  it  boUing  water  of  a  sufficient  quantity,  and  keep  it  from  half 
an  hour  to  an  hour  before  using.  Be  sure  that  the  liqtiid  is  of  a  rich 
brown  color  before  you  use  it.  It  is  a  most  excellent  drink  in  all  cases 
of  sickness  and  convalescence. 

Cranberry  Water. — Put  a  tea-spoonful  of  cranberries  into  a  cup  of 
water  and  mash  them.  In  the  mean  time  boil  two  quarts  of  water  with 
one  large  spoonful  of  com  or  oatmeal,  and  a  bit  of  lemon-peel ;  then  add 
the  cranberries  and  as  much  fine  sugar  as  will  leave  a  smart  flavor  of  the 
fruit- -also  a  wine-glassful  of  sherry.  Boil  the  whole  gently  for  a  quar- 
ter of  an  hour,  then  strain. 

Wine  Whey. — Heat  a  pint  of  new  mUk  until  it  boils,  at  which  mo- 
ment pour  in  as  much  good  wine  as  wiU  curdle  and  clarify  it.  Boil  and 
set  it  aside  until  the  curd  subsides.  Do  not  stir  it,  but  pour  the  whey  off 
carefully,  and  add  two  pints  of  boiling  water,  with  loaf-sugar.  \ 

Orange  Whey. — Milk,  one  pint ;  the  juice  of  an  orange,  with  a  por- 
tion of  the  peel.  Boil  the  milk,  then  pnt  the  orange  to  it,  and  let  stand 
till  it  coagulates.     Strain. 

Mustard  Wiiey. — Bruised  mustard  seed,  two  table-spoonfuls  ;  milk, 
one  quart.  Boil  together  for  a  few  minutes  until  it  coagulates,  and 
strain  to  separate  the  curd.  This  is  a  very  useful  drink  in  dropsy.  A 
tea-cupful  may  be  taken  at  a  dose,  three  times  a  day. 

Sippets. — On  an  extremely  hot  plate  put  two  or  three  slices  of  bread, 
and  pour  over  them  some  of  the  juices  of  boUed  beef,  mutton,  or  veal. 
If  there  be  no  butter  in  the  dish,  sprinkle  over  them  a  little  salt. 

Chicken  Broth. — Take  half  a  chicken,  divested  of  all  fat,  and  break 
the  bones ;  add  to  this  half  a  gallon  of  water,  and  boil  for  half  an  hour. 
Season  with  salt. 

Vegetarle  Soup. — Take  one  potato,  one  turnip  and  one  onion,  with 
a  Httle  celery  or  celery  seed.  Slice  and  boil  for  an  hour  in  one  quart  of 
water.  Salt  to  the  taste,  and  pour  the  whole  upon  a  piece  of  dry  toast. 
This  f onns  a  good  substitute  for  animal  food,  and  may  be  used  when  the 
latter  would  be  improper. 

Calves'-Foot  Jelly.  —Boil  two  calves'  feet  in  one  gallon  of  water, 
until  reduced  to  one  quart.  Strain,  and  when  cool,  skim  carefully. 
Add  the  white  of  six  or  eight  eggs,  well  beaten,  a  pint  of  wine,  half  pound 
of  loaf  sugar,  and  the  juice  of  four  lemons.  Mix  them  well,  boil  for  a 
few  minutes,  stirring  constantly,  and  pass  through  a  Ilaunel  strainer.  In 
some  cases  the  wine  should  be  omitted. 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  205 

Slippery  Elm  Jelly. — Tako  of  the  flour  of  slippery  elm  one  or  two 

tea-spoonfuls ;  cold  water,  one  pint.  Stir,  untU  a  jelly  is  formed. 
Sweeten  with  loaf  sugar  or  honey.  This  is  excellent  for  aU  diseases  of 
the  throat,  chest,  and  lungs,  coughs,  colds,  bronchitis,  inflammation  of 
lungs,  etc.     It  is  very  nutritious  and  soothing. 


Nutritive  Fluids. — Below  will  be  found  directions  for  preparing 
three  nutritious  fluids,  which  are  of  great  value  in  all  diseases,  either 
acute  or  chronic,  that  are  attended  or  followed  by  prostration, — debility, 
whether  general,  or  of  certain  organs  only,  derangement  of  the  digest- 
ive organs,  weak  stomach,  indigestion,  heartburn,  or  sour  stomach,  con- 
stipated bowels,  torpidity  or  want  of  activity  of  the  liver,  thin  or  poor 
blood.  They  are  highly  nutritious,  supplying  to  the  blood  in  such  a  form 
that  they  are  most  easily  assirailated,  the  various  elements  which  are 
needed  to  enrich  it,  and  thus  enable  it  to  reproduce  the  various  tissues 
of  the  body  that  have  been  wasted  by  disease.  In  cases  where  the  stom- 
ach has  become  so  weakened  and  sensitive  that  the  hghtest  food  or 
drinks  cannot  be  taken  without  causing  much  uneasiness  and  distress, 
these  fluids  are  invaluable.  They  strengthen  the  stomach  and  neutralize 
all  undue  acidity,  while,  at  the  same  time,  they  soothe  the  irritation  by 
their  bland  and  demulcent  quahties.  When  carefully  and  properly  pre- 
pared, according  to  the  direction  following,  they  very  nearly  resemble 
rich  new  milk  in  color  and  consistency,  while  their  taste  is  remarkably 
pleasant.  Care  should  be  taken  that  all  the  ingredients  are  of  the  best 
quality.  Soft  water  must  be  used  in  aU  cases.  Fresh  rain-water  is  to 
be  preferred,  but  spring  water  may  be  used  if  perfectly  soft.  Hard 
water  will  cause  the  fluids  to  be  of  a  yeUow  color,  and  if  the  milk  is 
old,  they  are  apt  to  separate. 

Fluid  No.  1. — Put  one  pint  of  new  milk  (the  fresher  the  better)  and 
two  pints  of  soft  water  in  a  vessel  perfectly  free  from  all  greasy  matter, 
over  a  slow  fire.  Rub  two  even  tea-spoonfuls  of  superfine  wheat  flour 
and  two  tea-spoonfuls  of  carbonate  of  magnesia,  together  with  a  little 
milk,  into  a  soft  batter,  free  from  lumps  ;  add  this  to  the  milk  and  water 
as  soon  as  they  begin  to  boil.  Boil  gently  for  five  minutes— /i«  longer, 
stirring  constantly.  Pour  into  an  earthen  or  glass  dish  to  cool,  adding, 
at  the  same  time,  two  tea-spoonfuls  of  loaf  sugar,  and  one  tea  spoonful 
each  of  saleratus  and  table  salt,  rubbed  fine  ;  stir  until  cold.  The  fluid 
must  not  be  allowed  to  remain  in  a  metaUic  vessel  of  any  kind,  and  it 
must  be  kept  in  a  cool  place. 

Fluid  No.  2.  — Put  one  pint  of  fresh  mflk  and  two  pints  of  soft  water 
in  a  vessel  over  a  slow  fire.  Rub  together  with  a  little  fresh  cream  into 
a  soft  batter,  free  from  lumps,  one  table-spoonful  each  of  good  sweet 
rye  flour,  ground  rice,  and  pure  starch — which  add  to  the  milk  and 
M'ater  as  soon  as  they  begin  to  boil.     Boil  for  five  minutes,  stirring  con- 


206  THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

Btantly.  Remove  from  the  fire,  and  add  three  tea-spoonfuls  of  loaf  su- 
gar and  one  tea-spoonful  each  of  saleratus  and  table  salt.  Observe  the 
same  precautions  as  in  No.  1 . 

Fluid  No.  8. — Put  in  a  vessel,  over  a  slow  fire,  one  pint  of  fresh 
milk  and  two  pints  of  soft  water.  When  they  begin  to  boil,  add  one 
table-sjioonful  of  wheat  flour,  two  table-spoonfuls  pure  starch,  and  two 
tea-spoonfuls  of  carbonate  of  magnesia,  rubbed  together  with  a  little 
milli  into  a  soft  batter,  free  from  lumps.  Boil  gently  for  five  minutes, 
stirring  constantly.  Pour  into  an  earthen  vessel  to  cool,  and  add  one 
tea-spoonful  of  the  best  gum  arabic,  dissolved  in  a  little  warm  water,  one 
tea-spoonful  each  of  saleratus  and  table  salt,  and  one  table -spoonful  of 
pure  strained  honey.  Stir  untU  cold.  The  same  precaution  must  be 
observed  as  in  prej^aring  No.  1. 

Directions. — One  half  pint  or  less  of  these  fluids  may  be  taken  at  a 
dose,  and  at  least  three  pints  should  be  taken  during  the  day,  and  the 
amount  gradually  increased  to  two  or  three  quarts.  Commence  with 
No.  1,  and  use  two  weeks  :  then  use  No.  2  for  the  same  length  of  time, 
after  which  No.  3  is  to  be  used  for  two  weeks.  Continue  their  use  as 
long  as  necessary,  taking  each  for  two  weeks  before  changing.  In  all  the 
diseases  enumerated  above,  the  use  of  these  fluids,  in  connection  with 
proper  herbal  remedies,  will  ensure  a  speedy  restoration  to  health.    , 

Gum  Acacia  Restorative. — Take  two  ounces  of  pure  white  gum 
Arabic,- — procure  the  lump,  the  powdered  is  very  apt  to  be  adulterated, 
— pulverize  it  weU,  and  dissolve  by  the  aid  of  a  gentle  heat  in  a  gill  of 
water,  stirring  constantly.  When  it  is  entirely  dissolved,  add  three 
table-spoonfuls  of  pure  strained  honey.  Let  it  remain  over  the  fire  until 
it  becomes  of  the  consistency  of  a  jelly.  The  heat  must  be  very  gentle, 
it  must  not  boil.  If  desirable,  flavor  with  lemon  or  vanilla.  This  will 
be  found  a  very  pleasant  article  of  diet  for  delicate  stomachs.  When 
the  articles  used  are  pure  it  will  be  transparent  and  of  a  light  golden 
color.  This  will  be  borne  by  the  weakest  stomach,  when  everything  else 
is  rejected.     It  is  hirjldy  nutritious. 

Malt  Infusion. — Infuse  one  pint  of  ground  malt,  for  two  hours,  in 
three  pints  of  scalding  water.  The  water  should  not  be  brought  quite  to 
the  boiling  point.  Strain,  add  sugar,  if  desired ;  flavor  with  lemon- 
juice.  This  is  an  excellent  drink  in  inflammatory  fevers,  acute  rheuma- 
tism, etc. 

Peas. — Take  young  and  fresh  shelled  green  peas,  wash  them  clean, 
put  them  into  fresh  water,  just  enough  to  cover  them,  and  boil  them  till 
they  take  up  nearly  all  the  water.  Season  with  salt,  pepper,  and  but- 
ter. This  dish,  if  prepared  according  to  directions,  and  eaten  wai-m,  wiU 
not  harm  any  invaUd — not  even  one  suffering  from  diarrhoea. 

Milk. — In  some  cases  where  a  milk  diet  is  advisable,  owing  to  the 
peculiar  condition  of  the  patient's  stomach,  it  will  cause  distress.     This 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  207 

is  frequently  the  case  when  there  is  undue  acidity.  In  such  cases  let  it 
be  prepared  in  the  following  manner,  and  it  will  be  found  to  set  well :  — ■ 
Take  a  tea-cupful  of  fresh  mUk,  heat  nearly  to  boiling ;  dissolve  in  it  a 
tea-spoonful  of  loaf  sugar ;  pour  into  a  large-sized  tumbler,  and  add 
sufficient  plain  soda-water  to  fill  it.  Prepared  in  the  above  directed 
manner  it  will  be  perfectly  free  from  all  unpleasant  effects. 

Soups  for  the  Convalescent. — To  extract  the  strength  from 
meat,  long  and  slow  boiling  is  necessary ;  but  care  must  be  taken  that 
the  pot  is  never  off  the  boil.  All  soups  should  be  made  the  day  before 
they  are  used,  and  they  should  then  be  strained  into  earthen  jjans. 
When  soup  has  jellied  in  the  pan,  it  should  not  be  removed  into  another. 
When  in  danger  of  not  keeping,  it  should  be  boiled  up. 

Eggs. — In  cases  of  extreme  debility,  eggs  are  most  excellent.  They 
should  never  be  boiled  hard.  The  best  way  to  prepare  them  is  to  beat 
them  well  with  railk  and  sugar.  Where  it  will  be  appropriate  to  the 
case,  add  some  fine  pale  sherry  wine. 

Milk  for  Infants.  — Fresh  cow's  milk,  one  part ;  water,  two  parts  ; 
sweeten  with  a  very  little  loaf  sugar.  When  children  are  raised  by  hand, 
it  is  always  necessary  to  dilute  the  milk.  As  the  child  advances  in  age, 
the  proportion  of  water  stated  above  may  be  gradually  lessened. 

Water  Gruel.— Com  or  oatmeal,  two  table-spoonfixls ;  water,  on« 
quart.  Boil  ten  or  fiteen  minutes,  and  strain.  Add  salt  and  sugar  to 
suit  the  taste  of  the  i^atient.  This  should  be  used  freely,  during  and 
after  the  operation  of  cathartic  medicines. 


HOW  TO  ASSIST  THE  DOCTOR 


The  Sick-Room. 


If  there  is  a  choice  of  rooms,  the  patient's  welfare  demands  that  he 
should  be  placed  in  the  one  aftording  to  a  greater  degree  light,  pure  air, 
warmth,  etc.  The  patient  should  not  be  put  into  the  room  which  i.s 
dark  and  gloomy,  but  let  it  be  one  that  is  light  and  cheerful,  and  with  a 
fire-place  in  it,  if  possible. 

If  the  illness  be  fever,  an  ophthalmic  affection,  brain  disease,  or  other 
disease  requiring  quiet,  a  back  room  away  from  the  family  should  be  se- 
lected, as  quiet  is  absolutely  necessary,  and  the  patient  will  not  care  to 
look  at  anything  or  to  speak  much.  If,  however,  he  be  suffering  from  an 
accident,  he  will  be  more  contented  and  cheerful  if  he  is  placed  near  to 
the  rest  of  the  family,  where  he  can  assist  in  the  conversation,  watch 
your  movements,  and  see  you  at  your  labors.     It  will  greatly  tend  to 


208  THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

make  him  forget  to  a  greater  extent  his  misfortune,  and  it  will  also  save 
time  in  waiting  upon  him. 

The  room  should  be  free  from  all  unpleasant  odors,  and  should  not  be 
exposed  to  disagi-eeable  effluvia  from  water-closets,  sinks,  etc.  The  fur- 
niture of  the  room  should  be  but  very  simple  and  plain,  and,  in  infectious 
diseases,  but  very  little  should  be  placed  in  the  room.  If  you  have  ever 
been  in  a  hospital,  you  may  have  noticed  the  bare  floors,  the  iron  bed- 
steads, the  absence  of  woollen  bed-clothing,  and  the  plaui  tables,  and 
most  probably  pitied  the  inmates  for  their  lack  of  comforts,  and  involun 
tarUy  the  thought  may  have  arisen  in  your  mind  that  fortune  is  more 
propitious  to  you  when  sick,  for  your  sick-room  wouldhave  at  least  a  good 
carpet,  upholstered  furniture,  and  your  bed  an  easy  one  to  repose  upon, 
and  plentifully  supplied  with  woollen  blankets,  etc.  But  pan  and  many 
more  are  also  deluded  in  this  respect.  If  you  will  bear  in  mind  that 
woollen  fabrics  retain  smells  much  longer  than  cotton  and  linen,  and  are 
therefore  less  sanitary,  you  would  probably  not  consider  them  so  advan- 
tageous. The  room  should  have  no  upholstered  chairs  or  sofas,  cane- 
bottomed  or  plain  wood  are  preferable,  and  it  would  be  better  if  no  car- 
pet was  on  the  floor,  except  perhaps  a  narrow  strip  for  you  to  walk  upon 
to  prevent  noise,  but  a  clean  boarded  floor,  kept  clean  and  sweet  by 
Bcrubbing  and  "  elbow-grease  "  is  infinitely  better.  It  is  better  to  |iave 
no  curtains  ;  but  if  the  room  looks  too  cheerlees  without  them,  use  light 
muslin  or  something  which  wiU  easily  wash. 

The  position  of  the  bed  is  also  very  important.  In  case  of  accident 
the  bed  should  be  placed  where  the  patient  feels  most  comfortable,  only 
it  should  be  placed  where  there  is  a  good  light  to  see  and  dress  the 
wound  ;  but  in  fever  and  small-pox  the  bed  should  occupy  the  position 
between  the  door  and  fire-place.  The  reason  for  this  is,  that  as  fire  can- 
not bum  without  air,  there  must  be  a  draft  to  feed  it ;  as  this  becomes 
heated  and  escapes  up  the  chimney,  it  is  replaced  by  a  fresh  supply 
drawn  in  througli  the  door  and  window.  This  prevents  a  spread  of  the 
disease,  as  the  chimney  acts  as  a  ventilating  shaft,  carrying  away  the 
impurities  of  the  room.  A  stove  will  also  do  this,  but  to  a  much  less 
extent.  It  is  very  apparent,  therefore,  that  if  a  person  stands  between 
the  bed  and  the  fire-place,  he  must  breathe  air  laden  with  the  effluvia 
from  the  patient,  whereas,  on  the  other  side,  that  is,  between  the  bed 
and  door,  he  inhales  air  that  has  not  yet  come  m  contact  with  the  pa- 
tient. If,  from  the  form  of  the  room,  the  bed  cannot  be  placed  in  this 
position,  the  space  between  the  window  and  the  bed  should  always  be 
Bufn.cient  to  stand  in. 

The  room  should  always  be  fully  prepared  before  the  patient  is  placed 
in  it,  as  the  setting  it  to  rights  is  not  only  annoying,  but  may  do  positive 
harm  to  the  patient.  The  fire,  if  any  is  wanted,  should  particularly  be 
previously  built,  for  very  often  the  chimney  refuses  to  draw  well,  and 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  209 

tlie  poor  patient  is  choked  with  the  smoke.  He  may  suffer  from  a  chest 
complaint,  and  his  difficulty  of  breathing  be  so  aggravated  as  to  put  him 
in  a  miserable  plight.  The  windows  should  not  be  so  fastened  that  you 
cannot  open  them,  especially  from  the  top.  An  equable  temperature 
should  be  kept  up,  neither  too  hot  nor  too  cold,  and  extremes  avoided. 

The  bed  itself  is  very  worthy  of  consideration.  Unqualifiedly,  the  best 
is  a  hair  mattrass,  but,  as  this  is  so  expensive,  it  cannot  be  expected  to 
be  found  in  every  house,  but,  unless  obliged,  use  no  feather  bed.  It  is 
too  soft,  and  the  patient  sinks  into  holes,  so  that,  in  case  of  wounds  or 
bums,  you  cannot  get  at  them  properly,  and  besides,  if  the  feathers 
get  wet,  you  cannot  easily  put  them  right  again.  Good  clean  straw  or 
chaff,  evenly  packed,  is  far  superior.  It  costs  but  little,  to  begin  with,  is 
more  comfortable,  far  superior  in  a  sanitary  point  of  view,  and  has  this 
advantage :  that  in  case  of  being  spoiled,  it  can  be  emptied,  the  cover 
washed,  and  rclilled  without  loss  of  time,  and  at  a  very  trifling  expense. 

The  bed  should  not  be  too  wide,  for  if  the  i^atient  needs  help,  the  at- 
tendant is  obhged  to  move  him  kneeling  on  the  bed,  or  at  arms'  length, 
should  he  be  lying  in  the  middle. 

It  is  often  a  matter  of  much  concern  how  to  change  the  bed-clothing 
in  case  of  fracture  or  low  states  of  disease,  where  the  patient  cannot  be 
moved  from  the  bed.  The  following  method  should  be  pursued  : — roU 
up  the  clothes  to  be  changed  tightly  to  the  middle,  lengthwise,  not  across 
the  bed ;  put  on  the  clean  things  with  half  the  width  rolled  up  close  to 
the  other  roU,  lift  the  patient  on  the  newly  made  part,  slip  off  the  soiled 
clothes,  unroll  the  clean  ones,  and  the  bed  is  made. 

Before  the  patient  is  put  to  bed  scour  the  floor  right  well,  and  wash  it 
with  hot  water  with  a  few  pennies'  worth  of  chloride  of  lime,  or,  if  you 
cannot  get  this,  use  a  little  quicklime,  and  rub  it  well  into  cracks  and 
comers.  The  whole  of  the  lime  need  not  be  removed,  as  the  little  par- 
ticles left  sticking  in  the  cracks  and  pores  of  the  wood  will  prevent  in- 
sects, give  a  clean,  sweet  smell  to  the  place,  and  tend  to  keep  away  in- 
fection. After  the  room  is  thoroughly  dried,  it  is  ready  for  the  sick  oc- 
cupant. 

If  aU  this  is  done,  you  will  have  the  hedlthieHt  sick-chamber  possible, 
and  rob  the  disease  of  its  exciting  causes.  He  must  then  be  well  nursed, 
and  as  this  is  so  important,  the  author  will  next  consider 

Nurses  and  NoRsiNa. 

Next  to  the  physician,  the  nurse  has  responsibilities  that  must  be  faith- 
fully discharged,  as  the  life  of  the  patient  is  not  alone  dependent  upon 
the  skill  of  the  physician,  but  in  a  great  measure  also  upon  careful  nurs- 
ing. Eveiy  physician  will  tell  you  that  he  recollects  cases  in  his  practice 
where  all  his  skill  would  have  been  unavailing  had  it  not  been  for  the 

.  excellent  nursing  that  the  patient  received. 

o 


210  '    THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

Tt  i»  a  common  opinion  that  women  only  can  nurse.  Tins  is  erroneous, 
as  men  are  frequently  met  with,  especially  husbands  and  brothers,  who 
are  quite  as  gentle  in  their  touch,  quite  as  considerate  about  little  wants, 
and  far  more  tender  and  thoughtful  than  almost  any  woman.  A  male 
nurse  has,  moreover,  one  great  advantage — his  strength.  Ask  that  wife 
■who  requires  lifting  from  the  bed,  and  she  will  teU.  how  safe  she  feels  in 
her  husband's  strong  arms,  and  what  a  comfort  it  is  to  be  lifted  by  him. 
It  is  a  dreadful  feeling  for  a  patient  not  to  have  full  confidencs  in  the 
power  of  the  person  assisting,  and  the  nervous  shock  induced  by  the  fear 
of  being  let  fall,  may  take  days  to  recover  from.  It  is,  therefore,  not  to 
be  thought  that  nursing  is  peculiarly  woman's  work,  but  that  men  are 
just  as  capable. 

A  nurse  should  have  five  qualifications — sobriety,  cleanliness,  firmness, 
gentleness,  and  pntience. 

Sobriety.— The  drunken  nurse  should  not  be  allowed  to  cross  the  door- 
BiU  of  the  sick-room.  It  is  no  place  for  her, — she  cannot  be  trusted. 
Human  life  is  too  precious  to  be  entrusted  to  the  care  of  one  who  cannot 
resist  the  temptation  to  indulge  in   intoxicating  drinks. 

Cleanliness. — The  nurse  should  not  only  keep  the  room  clean,  but 
always  be  clean  herself.  A  very  little  thing  will  spoil  the  appetite  of  a 
Bick  person,  and  nothing  offensive,  as  dressings  from  woimds  or  burns, 
Bhould  be  allowed  to  remain  in  the  room.  All  necessary  vessels  should 
be  emptied  as  soon  as  done  with,  well  washed  out,  and  left  in  the  open 
air.  It  should  be  remembered  that  bad  air  is  just  as  poisonous  to  a  per- 
son as  bad  food,  and  hence  it  should  be  frequently  changed  by  opening 
the  window.  The  dreaded  draft  wiU  do  no  harm,  but  bears  upon  its 
wings  the  elements  conducive  to  the  health  of  both  patient  and  attend- 
ants. The  fever-poison  is  weakened  by  admixture  with  pure  air  just  in 
the  same  proportion  as  spirits  are  weakened  by  the  addition  of  water. 
The  food  that  the  patient  cannot  eat  should  not  be  left  in  the  room — it 
will  breed  distaste  for  it  if  always  in  the  sight  of  the  patient.  The 
drinking-water  should  be  frequently  changed,  as  it  absorbs  all  the  gasea 
in  the  room,  so  that  if  the  patient  is  allowed  to  drink  it,  it  actually  puts 
back  into  his  stomach  what  his  body  exhaled.  Always  give  him  fresh 
water,  then,  when  he  wants  to  drink. 

Firmness.— The  lesson  that  firmness  is  not  rudeness  should  be  learned 
first.  It  is  not  to  be  expected  that  a  suffering  person  knows  as  well 
what  is  best  for  him  a-s  those  whose  brains  are  clear.  If,  therefore,  a 
certain  thing  is  best  to  be  done,  do  it,  do  it  kindly,  but  do  it,  and  the 
patient  will  thank  you  afterwards. 

Gentleness.— It  should  never  be  forgotten  that  gentleness  is  an  abso- 
lute requirement  of  a  nurse.  If  the  poor  patient  suffers  from  rheuma- 
tism or  a  broken  liml),  iuid  the  bed-clothes  nuist  be  changed,  it  should 
be  done  gently,  and  all  needless  Buffering  avoided.     If  his  position  in 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  211 

bed  requires  change,  do  not  torture  him,  but  gently  move  him,  and 
avoid  all  jerks  and  knocks  with  great  care. 

Patience. — Need  a  word  be  said  to  the  effect  that  of  all  beings  nurses 
should  especially  be  patient '?  It  should  never  be  forgotten  that  the  dif- 
ference is  a  great  one  between  the  nurse  and  the  person  under  his  or  her 
care,  and  it  should  be  remembered  that  in  their  own  experiences  they 
have  been  cross  and  irritable  even  when  they  were  well,  that  they  were 
easily  put  out,  and  so  peevish  and  fretful  from  the  slightest  causes. 
They  should  then  consider  how  it  must  be  vnth  the  person  taken  sud- 
denly from  active  life  and  compelled  to  lie  still  in  one  position,  or  with 
one  whose  whole  body  is  racked  with  pain.  The  one,  therefore,  who 
loses  patience,  however  sorely  tried,  and  who  cannot  bear  with  these 
trials  for  a  while,  should  stay  away  from  the  sick-room  in  the  capacity 
of  nurse. 

Nursing,  in  a  great  measure,  is  a  natural  gift  either  in  man  or  woman, 
just  as  much  as  mixsic,  painting,  and  other  things  are.  It  is  not  every 
one,  therefore,  who  is  fit  for  a  nurse,  not  because  they  wilfully  do 
wrong,  but  they  are  not  adapted  for  it.  There  are  many  good-hearted 
yet  thoughtless  people  who  would  never  make  good,  handy  nurses  with 
all  the  training  in  the  world. 

The  awkward  nurse  is  a  queer  creature,  and  she  is  everlastingly  get- 
ting into  some  trouble.  If  she  is  going  up  stairs  with  her  hands  full, 
she  is  sure  to  step  on  the  bottom  of  her  dress,  and  either  drops  what 
she  is  carrying  or  falls  herself.  If  the  fire  wants  coal,  she  throws  on  a 
whole  scuttleful,  a  good  part  of  which  falls  upon  the  fender,  and  the 
poor  patient  is  so  terrified  that  he  cannot  rest  for  hours.  If  she  has  a 
hole  in  her  dress,  or  a  bit  of  braid  is  loose,  it  will  be  sure  to  catch  a 
chair  or  the  fire-irons,  bringing  them  down  with  a  rattle.  If  of  matronly 
age  and  wears  caps,  she  will  have  strings  so  long  that  when  she  stoops 
over  to  catch  the  patient's  whisper,  the  ends  wiU  tickle  his  nose  or  other 
parts  of  his  face.  At  least  one  of  her  fingers  is  sure  to  be  enveloped  in 
a  rag  tied  on  with  black  cotton.  If  the  patient  wants  a  little  bread  and 
butter,  the  knife  that  has  been  used  for  cutting  cheese  or  peeling  onions 
is  unen-ingly  used.  If  she  is  cooking  cabbage  or  frying  bacon  in  the 
next  room,  she  always  forgets  to  close  the  door  leading  to  the  patient's 
room,  fills  it  with  a  strong  smell  which  sickens  him,  and  then  says  that 
it  is  too  bad  that  the  patient  cannot  eat  a  morsel  of  food.  If  the  patient 
thirsts,  she  wiU  fill  the  glass  full  to  the  brim,  put  her  hand  under  his 
head,  bend  his  neck  till  his  chin  touches  his  breast,  then  puts  the  glass 
to  his  lips,  spills  a  good  i^art  of  it  on  his  clothes,  and  thinks  he  is  very 
awkward  to  choke  over  a  mouthful  of  water.  If  a  candle  is  to  be 
lighted,  she  sticks  it  in  between  the  bars  of  the  grate,  which  soon  fills 
the  room  with  the  rank  smeU  of  burning  tallow,  and  when  she  finally 
succeeds  in  lighting  it,  she  finds  she  has  a  wick  several  inches  long, 


212  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

gained  at  the  expense  of  the  melted  tallow ;  or  if  it  bo  gas,  she  takes  a 
ehort  bit  of  paper,  turns  the  gas  full  on,  makes  a  sudden  blaze  like  a 
flash  of  lightning,  forgets  the  bit  of  paper  in  her  hand  while  she  is  regu- 
lating the  blaze,  bums  her  fingers,  throws  the  lighted  paper  on  th'^ 
floor,  and  puts  her  foot  on  it.  All  this  doec  not  escape  the  patient's 
notice,  and  he  gets  so  nervous  and  frightened  that  he  loses  his  night's 
rest.  If  the  patient  is  so  far  convalescent  as  to  be  able  to  sit  up  in  bed 
to  take  his  food,  she  will,  of  course,  put  the  tray  on  his  knees,  then 
assist  him  into  the  sitting  posture,  and  ten  chances  to  one  the  things 
are  upset  all  over  the  counteii^ane. 

Then  there  is  the  /«*-v//  nurse,  and  there  are  many  of  this  sort.  Hei 
zeal  to  benefit  the  patient  is  so  great,  that  she  sadly  overdoes  it :  she 
bustles  in  and  out  of  the  room  every  few  minutes,  wearies  the  patient 
by  persistently  asking  him  if  he  cannot  eat  something,  which  she  would 
willingly  walk  miles  to  get  if  wanted,  raising  him  up,  tucking  in  the 
bed  clothes,  drawing  up  and  lowering  the  blinds ;  one,  in  fact,  who  is 
perfectly  miserable  if  she  is  not  constantly  ou  the  move.  The  fussy 
nurse  is  generally  a  kind-hearted,  loving  creature,  and  it  is  her  very 
goodness  which  makes  her  weary  the  patient,  who  congratulates  him- 
(self  on  the  relief  gained  whenever  she  vacates  the  room. 

Then  we  have  the  carelens,  slocenly  nurse.  Doctors  are  always  sus- 
picious of  this  person  ;  they  can  never  feel  sure  that  their  patients  reblly 
Lad  the  right  quantity  of  medicine  ;  if  she  happened  to  remember  it 
they  would  get  it,  but  if  not,  she  would  make  up  for  it  by  giving  a 
double  dose  next  time.  There  is  no  clean  glass  or  cup  when  wanted. 
Food  is  taken  to  the  patient,  and  if  he  cannot  eat  it,  it  is  left  there  for 
hours.  There  are  so  many  crumbs  of  bread  in  the  bed  that  it  feels  to 
the  patient  like  lying  on  a  gravel  walk.  Cinders  cover  the  hearth  all 
over,  and  the  fire  is  black.  The  slops,  which  should  have  been  removed 
in  the  evening,  are  hid  under  the  bed,  filling  the  room  with  bad  smells. 
Those  bits  of  meat,  crumbs  of  bread,  and  other  matters  which  have 
fallen  on  the  floor  are  left  there  ;  the  consequence  is,  that  being  winter, 
the  mice  and  perhaps  rats  finding  a  warm  room  and  something  to  eat, 
think  it  a  comfortable  place,  and  use  it  accordingly.  No  one  can  im- 
agine the  degree  of  comfort  these  scampering  animals  afford  to  the 
helpless  creature  in  bed. 

Next  we  have  the  cruel  nurse,  who  does  her  duty,  but  not  from  love  ; 
she  carries  out  the  doctor's  orders  exactly.  In  matter  of  duty  she  is 
inflexible  ;  if  the  medicine  has  to  be  taken  at  a  certain  time,  she  brings 
it  to  the  minute,  and  worries  the  patient  into  taking  it  on  the  instant. 
Her  law  in  all  things  is  like  that  of  the  Modes  and  Persians,  which 
altereth  not.  She  may  be  perfectly  honest  in  her  dealings,  but  the 
utter  absence  of  tenderness  and  compassion  makes  her  an  undesirable 
nurse. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  213 

And  lastly,  we  have  what  I  tnist  is  a  very  rare  character,  the  dislionest 
nurse.  She  drinks  all  the  wine,  and  partakes  pretty  freely  of  the  food 
intended  for  the  patient,  and  tells  the  doctor  that  the  patient  ought  to 
get  better  according  to  the  quantity  of  nourishment  he  gets  through. 
She  is  also  dishonest  in  another  way  :  she  finds  it  a  great  deal  of  trouble 
to  make  the  patient  take  his  medicine,  so  she  just  empties  it  away,  a 
regular  dose  at  a  time,  so  that  when  the  doctor  calls,  he  may  see  that 
the  bottle  is  gradually  emptying. 

All  these  characters  are  to  be  met  with,  and  doctors  find  one  or  more 
of  them  in  various  sick-rooms  every  day.  Now,  it  is  not  well  to  be  too 
exacting  in  such  matters,  but  as  a  good  nurse  is,  next  to  a  good  physician, 
necessary  to  properly  combat  disease,  it  is  weU  to  object  to  what  are 
positive  faults. 

A  good  nurse  should  be  tender  and  compassionate,  and  ought  to  have 
all  her  five  senses  in  a  healthy,  active  condition.  Sight,  that  she  may 
be  able  to  read  directions,  or  read  aloud  to  the  patient,  and  watch  the 
change  of  countenance.  A  quick-sighted  nurse  will  not  need  to  wait 
for  the  sufferer  to  make  his  demands  ;  she  will  see  in  a  moment  what  is 
wanted  from  the  motion  of  the  eye,  or  the  lips,  or  a  finger.  Hearing., 
that  she  may  be  able  to  catch  the  faintest  whisper,  and  not  oblige  a 
weak  patient  to  exert  the  voice  or  repeat  liis  requests.  Feeling,  that 
she  may  readily  detect  the  temperature  of  the  skin  of  the  patient,  and 
not  use  any  application  which  will  either  scald  with  heat  or  chill  with 
oold.  Smell,  that  all  impurities  in  the  atmosphere  of  the  room  may  be 
readily  detected.  Taste,  that  she  may  not  offer  food  unfit  to  be  used, 
or  improperly  cooked  if  good  in  itself. 

She  need  not  be  highly  educated,  but  she  should  be  able  to  read 
writing,  so  that  she  can  fully  understand  the  directi<5us  on  the  labels. 
She  ought  to  have  a  knowledge  of  common  and  every-day  affairs,  and 
possess  the  qualification  of  ' '  common  sense. "  But  she  must  not  place 
too  high  a  valuation  on  her  own  opinion  or  skill,  as  that  may  cause  her 
to  use  either  in  opposition  to  the  wishes  of  the  doctor.  She  must  dc 
everytliing  for  the  patient  that  she  can,  and  deal  with  the  doctor  fairly. 


214  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


PAET   II. 


DISEASES. 


The  ^eat  difficvilty  of  treating  disease,  by  those  who  are  not  physicianfi, 
Js  the  liability  to  mistake  the  character  of  the  affection,  being  unable 
through  obscurity  of  the  symptoms  to  ascertain  the  organ  or  tissue  af- 
fected. Without  entering  minutely  into  diagnosis,  the  author  will  en- 
deavor to  simplify  the  study  of  morbid  conditions  of  the  human  body, 
60  that  the  unscientific  may  more  readily  ascertain  the  disease  and  apply 
the  ajipropriate  remedy  or  treatment. 

1.  General  condition  pertaining  to  : 

a.  Temperature  and  dryness  of  skin. 

b.  Condition  of  pulse— full  and  quick,  or  slow  and  weak, 

c.  Appearance  of  tongue.  v 

d.  State  of  bowels  and  kidneys.  "  ^ 

e.  Desire  for  food  and  drink.  •  ^ 

2.  The  general  appearance  of  the  patient. 

a.   Size — emaciation  or  increase,  general  or  local. 
h.  Aspect  of  face  or  expression, 
c.  Changes  of  color  of  skin. 

3.  The  position  or  posture. 

a.  In  bed — the  manner  of  Ij'ing,  on  the  back  or  either  side,  quiet, 

restless,  etc. 
b    Out  of  bed — posture,  gait,  stiffness,  loss  of  power  of  limbs,  etc. 

4.  The  sensations  of  the  patient. 

Whenever  any  of  these  conditions  are  at  variance  with  the  normal 
state,  the  presumption,  or  rather  certainty,  is  that  some  organ  or  tissue 
is  assailed  by  disease.  Some  of  the  genend  indications  of  the  patient 
in  many  cases  often  make  known  the  character  of  the  affection,  when 
not  suggested  by  other  symptoms.  For  mstance,  the  skin  is  remarka- 
bly moist  and  soft  in  delirium  tremens ;  the  perspiration  profuse  and 
sour  in  acute  rheumatism ;  exhausting  sweats  in  the  latter  stages  of 
consumption  or  profuse  suppuration ;  the  crackling  feeling  of  emphy- 
sema, .and  the  pitting  uuder  pressure  in  dropsy. 

The  pulse  is  hard  and  wiry  in  abdominal  inflammations  ;  in  acute 
hydrocephalus  its  frequency  is  very  great,  slow  and  labored  in  brain  dis- 
eases, irregular  in  disease  of  the  heart,  almost  imperceptible  in  cholera 
or  iu  the  latter  titugeu  of  the  low  fevers. 


THE    COMPLETE    HEKBALIST.  215 

The  tongue  covered  with  a  thm  white  layer  is  indicative  of  disorder 
of  the  stomach ;  when  patchy,  the  stomach  is  considerably  irritated , 
when  yellow,  the  patient  is  bilious  ;  when  shining,  glazed,  and  chapped, 
it  indicates  long-continued  intlammation  or  ulceration  of  the  bowels; 
aphthous  patches  indicate  imperfect  nutrition,  etc. 

In  cholera  the  stools  resemble  rice-water ;  when  clay-colored,  it  de- 
notes a  deficiency  of  bUe  ;  when  yeast-like,  fermentation  takes  place  in- 
stead of  digestion. 

The  urine  is  dark-colored  in  fevers,  very  limpid  and  abundant  in 
hysteria,  scanty  hi  dropsies,  acid  in  rheumatism. 

The  aspect  is  often  very  significant.  In  scrofula  the  comers  of  the 
nose  and  lips  are  swollen,  in  chlorosis  a  waxy  pallor  is  observed,  in 
malignant  diseases  a  sallow  hue,  in  heart-diseases  a  blue  color  of  the 
lips,  in  pneumonia  a  dusky  flush,  in  phthisis  a  hectic  flush.  When  the 
expression  is  anxious,  it  indicates  disease  of  the  heart  and  dyspnoea ; 
when  i^inched  and  contracted,  there  is  much  suffering,  as  in  the  low 
forms  of  fever ;  the  skin  is  white  in  anosmia,  yellow  in  jaundice  and 
malignant  cases  ;  it  has  a  muddy  hue  in  splenic  diseases,  blue  in  cholera, 
and  livid  in  commencing  mortification. 

If  the  patient's  head  is  elevated  by  choice  in  bed,  it  denotes  heart-dis- 
ease ;  when  he  is  very  feeble  he  lies  on  his  back  ;  in  peritonitis  the  knees 
are  drawn  up ;  in  cramps  or  pain  of  the  abdomen,  he  Ues  on  his  side. 

In  order  that  the  reader  may  not  have  a  confused  idea  of  what  is 
meant  by  inflammation,  I  will  describe  it  insomuch  as  to  give  its 
phenomena.  These  are  redness,  heat,  swelling,  and  jjam.  When  all 
these  are  present  it  constitutes  inflammation.  When  a  fever  or  disease 
partakes  of  this  character,  it  is  inflammatoiy.  Chronic  inflammation  is 
characterized  by  all  the  essential  conditions  of  the  acute  form,  differing, 
however,  in  this,  by  being  preceded  through  all  its  changes  with  symp- 
toms so  mild  that  it  is  only  after  a  certain  time  that  the  patient  is  much 
inconvenienced  constitutionally.  Inflammation  always  denotes  increase 
of  activity  of  the  vascular  system.  When  of  a  localized  character,  the  in- 
crease is  noticed  La  the  capillary  circulation  ;  when  general,  as  m  fevers, 
or  of  some  important  organ,  the  whole  circulatory  apparatus  is  abnor- 
mally active 

Miasmatic  Fevers. 

These,  as  signified  by  name,  owe  their  origin  to,  or  are  caused  by,  a  pe- 
culiar principle  to  which  the  name  of  malaria  or  miasm  has  been  given. 
Of  the  chemical  nature  of  miasm  we  literally  know  nothing ;  but  we 
have  abundant  evidence  that  it  is  a  specific  cause  of  disease.  There  are, 
practically,  two  kinds  of  malaria  :  First,  koino-miasmata,  the  product 
of  vegetable  decomposition,  or  terrestrial  emanations  ;  second,  Idio-mias- 
mata,,   the  deleterous  etfluvia  originatiug  from  the  decomposition  of 


216  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

matter  derived  from  the  human  body.  Both  of  these  :ire  prolific  causes 
of  disease,  jOo  the  profession,  ovmig  to  the  siibtile  nature  of  the  miasms, 
are  in  a  great  degree  ignorant  as  to  the  manner  of  operation.  These 
two  causes  may  act  separately,  and  produce  their  different  symptoms, 
or  they  may  operate  together,  causing  a  confusion  of  morbid  phe- 
nomena. 

'•Marsh  gas,"  or  the  product  of  vegetable  decomposition,  owing  to 
its  diversification,  is  of  course  the  greater  cause  of  disease.  Two  re- 
quisites, heat  and  moist lu-e,  are  necessary  for  its  production  ;  and 
hence,  where  these  abound  in  any  quantity,  so  proportionably  is  tlie 
miasm  evolved.  For  this  reason,  low,  marshy  lands  are  at  certain  sea- 
sons veiy  unhealthy,  while  those  regions  at  a  greater  elevation  are  pecu- 
liarly healthy  in  this  respect.  Wherever  vegetation  is  profuse,  and  to 
which  abundant  heat  and  moisture  are  contributed,  there  we  may 
reasonably  expect  a  plentiful  product  of  miasm  and  consequent  disease. 
Experiments  have  proved  that  in  decomposition  of  vegetable  matter, 
animal  matter— infusoria— is  produced  in  very  rapid  succession,  having 
an  exceedingly  short-lived  existence.  These  infusoria  are  inhaled  at 
every  breath,  as  the  air  contains  swaiins  of  them,  but  which  are  imper- 
ceptible to  any  of  the  senses.  It  is  reasonable  to  suppose  that  they,  in 
a  great  measure,  contribute  largely  to  periodic  fevers.  The  jliseases 
generally  classed  as  Malaiial  are  Intermittent,  Remittent,  Yellow,'  b.iid 
Tyiihus  Fevers.  ^ 

Intermittent  Fever. 

This  is  commonly  called  Fever  arid  Ague,  or  ChiUs  and  Fever.  As 
the  name  implies,  the  fever  is  not  constant,  as  in  the  continual  fevers, 
but  inteimits,  so  that  in  its  career  there  are  well-marked  jieriods  of  ab- 
sence of  febrile  symptoms.  It  is  a  fever  characterized  by  a  succession 
of  attacks,  with  equal  mtervals  and  intermissions,  that  are  complete, 
but  irregular,  owing  to  the  paroxysms  being  of  uncertain  duration.  By 
iiitcrval  is  meant  the  time  from  the  beginning  of  one  paroxysm  to  the 
beginning  of  the  next,  and  by  intermission  the  period  of  time  between 
the  close  of  one  paroxysm  to  the  beginning  of  the  next.  The  length  of 
the  interval  determines  the  variety  of  ague.  When  the  interval  ia 
twenty-four  hours,  it  is  called  qiwtidian;  thirty-six  hours,  tertian;  and 
when  seventy-two  hours,  it  is  called  quartan.  These  varieties  dupli- 
cate, and  are  then  called  double  quotidian,  etc. 

The  disease  is  announced  by  a  paroxysm  which  has  three  stages, 
the  cold,  the  hot,  and  the  sweating.  The  cold  stage  is  well  marked  ; 
the  i)atient  yawns,  has  a  feeling  of  weakness,  stretches,  no  apj)ctit(>, 
and  no  inclination  to  move.  Paleness  is  observed  in  the  face  and  ex- 
tremities ;  the  patient  shakes,  the  teeth  chatter,  and  the  skin  shrinks, 
causing  horripikUiua  or  "goose-flesh." 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  217 

When  this  stage  declines,  the  hot  stage  comes  on,  which  is  character- 
ized by  a  high  fever.  This  is  followed  by  the  sweating  stage,  which 
increases  from  a  mere  moisture  at  first  to  a  profuse  iierspiration.  After 
this  the  body  returns  to  its  natural  temperature,  and  apparent  health 
returns. 

Duiiag  the  cold  stage  the  circulation  is  thrown  upon  the  internal  or- 
gans, the  spleen  becomes  congested,  which  organ  is  enlarged,  causing 
what  is  known  as  the  ague  cake. 

A  quotidian  begins  generally  in  the  morning,  a  tertian  at  noon,  and  a 
quartan  in  the  afternoon.  The  cold  stage  is  shortest  ia  the  quotidian, 
and  longest  in  the  quartan.  Intermittent  fever  is  more  common  in  the 
spring  and  autumn  than  at  other  seasons  of  the  year,  and  ia  fall  more 
severe  and  dangerous. 

Treatment.  —Commence  treatment  with  a  cathartic,  as  senna  or  the 
Renovating  PUl.  In  the  cold  stage  give  hot  drinks,  and  even  stimulants 
may  be  of  service.  Induce  warmth  and  comfort  by  extra  covering, 
foot-baths,  bottles  filled  with  hot  water  applied  to  the  surface,  etc.  In 
the  hot  stage,  cooling  drinks  and  anything  that  mollifies  febrile  action. 

When  an  intermission  ensues,  administer  Peruvian  bark,  or,  prefera- 
bly, one  of  its  active  principles,  quinine.  This  can  be  given  in  a  large 
dose,  or  smaller  doses  repeated.  Fifteen  grains  may  be  given  at  once  or 
in  successive  doses.  It  may  be  taken  in  pills  or  in  solution  with  elixir 
of  vitriol.  Quinine  is  a  specific  in  this  disease,  and  it  rarely  ever  fails 
in  curing  every  case,  if  the  patient  be  placed  under  its  influence.  Pecu- 
liar head  symptoms  and  buzzing  in  the  ears  denote  the  influence  of  this 
admirable  remedy.  My  experience  has  not  taught  me  that  there  is 
much  danger  in  an  overdose,  and  I  consider  it  more  or  less  harmless ; 
yet,  like  every  other  remedy,  it  must  be  judicioiisly  and  intelhgently 
administered.  The  web  of  the  black  spider  rolled  up  in  five-grain  pills, 
and  taken,  one  pill  at  a  time  every  two  hours,  is  a  valuable  domestic 
remedy.  Decoctions  of  dogwood  bark  are  successful  in  many  cases  j  so 
also  of  the  bark  of  the  tulip  tree. 

Remittent  Fever. 

This  is  commonly  called  BlUovs  Fever.  It  is  a  disease  whose  attack 
is  generally  sudden  and  well  marked,  without  prominent  premonitory 
symptoms,  if  any,  at  all  times.  There  is  sense  of  languor  and  debility 
for  a  few  days  previous  to  the  onset ;  slight  headache,  lack  of  appetite, 
furred  tongue,  bitter  taste  in  the  mouth  in  the  morning,  pain  in  the 
joints,  and  a  feeling  of  uneasiness. 

The  first  onset  is  announced  by  a  rigor  or  chill,  distinct  in  character, 

though  generally  brief  and  sometimes  slight,  but  at  times  severe  and 

prolonged.     Sometimes  the  chill  is  first  felt  in  the  feet ;  at  other  times 

commences  at  the  shoulder-blades,  or  in  the  back,  running  from  thence 

10 


218  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST, 

through  the  whole  body.  Us^^ally  there  is  but  one  well-marked  chill ; 
the  paroxysms  of  fever  returning  subsequently,  and  seldom  preceded  by 
a  cold  stage. 

The  symptoms  of  this  disease  intensify  at  certain  periods  of  the  day ; 
preceded  occasionally,  but  not  generally,  by  a  chill.  Between  this 
period  of  severity  in  the  febrile  symptoms  and  a  simUar  period  follow- 
ing there  is  generally  a  decrease  in  the  violence  of  the  symptoms,  dur- 
ing which  the  fever  moderates,  but  does  not,  as  in  intermittent  fever, 
totally  disappear.  It  remits  in  severity,  and  hence  the  name.  The 
pulse  in  the  hot  stage  ranges  from  one  hundred  to  one  hundred  and 
thirty.  The  jiaius  in  the  head,  back,  and  limbs  are  almost  insufferable. 
The  covering  of  the  tongue  is  yellowish  or  dirty  white,  aud  in  severe 
cases,  in  the  advanced  stage,  the  tongue  is  parched,  brown  or  nearly 
black  in  the  centre,  and  red  at  the  edges.  Food  is  distasteful,  and 
nausea  and  vomiting  ensue,  with  frequently  paiu,  upon  pressure,  in  the 
epigastrium.  The  bowels  are  at  iirst  costive,  but  become  loose,  and  the 
fcBces  are  dark  and  offensive. 

Treatment. — Give  an  emetic  or  cathartic  in  the  formative  stage. 
When  the  disease  is  fully  developed,  sponge  the  body  aU  over  several 
times  a  day  with  cold  or  tepid  water,  whichever  is  most  grateful  to  the 
patient,  and  give  cooling  driuks,  as  the  effervesciag  draught.  \Vhen 
the  fever  is  high,  moderate  it  with  tiacture  or  fluid  extract  of  ^een 
hellebore,  in  doses  of  from  three  to  ten  drops.  Dover's  powder  should 
be  given  as  a  diaphoretic.  Ice-water  can  be  dmnk  at  pleasure.  A 
mustard  poultice  should  be  placed  over  the  pit  of  the  stomach  when- 
ever tenderness  exists. 

Quinine  is  the  great  remedy  in  this  disease  also,  and  should  be  admin- 
istered in  the  same  manner  as  advised  in  fever  aud  ague.  It  is  to  be 
given  in  a  remission.  "Whenever  the  fever  has  been  subdued  by  large 
doses  of  quinine,  its  administration  should  not  be  abruptly  ceased,  but 
be  continued  in  smaller  or  tonic  doses  for  several  weeks  afterward. 

There  is  a  form  of  fever  called  Congestive.  It  is  also  called  pernicious 
fever.  It  is  not  essentially  remittent,  but  may  also  be  intermittent  in 
character.  The  congestion  may  only  operate  upon  one  of  the  internal 
organs,  or  upon  all  of  them.  Congestion  may  ensue  in  the  earlier  or 
later  stage  of  the  disease.  There  is  usually  congestion  of  the  brain, 
and  profound  stupor  follows.  It  assumes  all  types  of  periodic  fevers, 
but  is  more  frequently  quotidian  or  tertian.  The  first  attack  generally 
simulates  a  simple  attack  of  intermittent,  and  excites  but  little  atten-  ■ 
tion.  The  second  attack  is  severe,  producing  great  coldness,  and  the 
patient  has  a  deathlike  hue  of  face  and  extremities.  As  the  disease 
advances,  the  heat  of  the  skin  becomes  pungent.  The  skin  also  be- 
comes dry,  husky,  and  parched,  followed,  after  a  time,  hy  a  cold, 
clammy  Bcuaatiou.     The  eyes  are  dull  aud  watery,  and  at  times  glassy , 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  219 

the  countenance  dull,  sleepy,  and  distressed  ;  the  tongue  trembles  upon 
protrusion,  indicating  weakness,  and  is  at  first  covered  with  whitish  fur, 
which  changes  to  either  brown  or  black  ;  the  breathing  is  difficult,  and 
inspirations  often  thirty  to  the  minute.  Pressure  over  the  liver,  stom- 
ach, or  bowels  occasions  pain  ;  and  the  mind  is  often  disturbed,  and  falls 
into  lethargy  and  stupor,  or  is  delirious. 

The  treatment  is  the  same  as  in  remittent  fever.  Quinine  and  the 
other  remedies  are  of  the  some  signal  service.  In  stupor  friction  is 
to  be  made  along  the  course  of  the  spine  with  spirits  of  turpentine  or 
ammonia. 

In  convalescence  the  diet  must  be  light  and  nutritious,  and  as  strength 
returns  may  be  increased.  Exercise  out  of  doors  should  be  encouraged. 
If  recovery  be  slow,  it  should  be  hastened  by  wine,  ale,  or  brandy,  and 
the  usual  vegetable  tonics. 

Any  person  who  is  suffering  from  almost  a  continuity  of  the  disease, 
or  the  so-called  chronic  form  of  malarial  fever,  desirous  of  correspond- 
ing with  me  on  the  subject,  I  should  be  most  happy  to  reply  to,  for  in 
the  vast  and  beneficent  domaiu  of  Herbalism  there  are  many  remedies 
that  can  be  advised  as  curative,  to  mention  which  would  occu]iy  too 
much  space  in  a  volume  of  this  size.  We  can  be  eclectic  in  Nature's 
laboratory. 

Yellow-Fever. 

The  first  symptoms  of  this  fever  seem  identical  with  remittent,  often 
well  marked  by  periodicity,  but  finally  reaction  occurs,  and  it  assumes 
a  typhoid  character.  The  disease  is  ushered  in  generally  with  a  chUl, 
severe  at  times,  though  usually  moderate,  of  short  duration,  and  rarely 
repeated.  The  chill  is  followed  by  slight  fever,  with  increased  heat  of 
surface ;  but  this  rarely  rises  to  any  considerable  height,  and  continues 
only  for  two  or  three  days,  when,  in  cases  likely  to  prove  fatal,  it  is  suc- 
ceeded by  coldness  of  surface,  etc.  Sweating  exists  in  many  cases. 
The  pulse  is  singular  in  character,  but  rarely  rises  above  a  hundred ; 
the  tongue  is  moist  and  white  for  the  first  few  days,  but  as  the  disease 
advances  it  becomes  red,  smooth,  shining,  and  dry,  having  a  black 
streak  in  the  middle.  The  most  prominent  symptoms  are  nausea  and 
vomiting.  In  fatal  cases  the  vomiting  is  persistent,  and  towards  the 
termination  the  green  bihary  matter  thrown  up  changes  to  a  thin  black 
fluid,  having  a  sediment  like  the  grounds  of  coft'ee.  This  is  the  terrible 
black  vomit  (vomita-nigra)  of  yellow-fever.  The  bowels  are  generally 
costive,  and  the  abdomen  tender  upon  pressure.  Severe  headache 
generally  exists,  and  the  countenance  bears  a  singular  expression,  in 
which  a  smile  seems  to  play  upon  the  lips,  but  the  rest  of  the  face  bears 
a  wild  or  sad  look.  Restlessness  is  common  to  this  disease  night  and 
day.     Blood  often  escapes  from  the  uose,  gums,  ears,  stomach,  bo-wels, 


220  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

and  urinary  passages.  The  skin  bears  a  tinged  color  similar  to  that  in 
jaundice.  The  disease  appears  both  endemicaUy  and  epidemically.  At 
first  the  disease  is  hard  to  recognize,  presenting  but  the  usual  symp- 
toms of  fevers  in  their  incipient  stage,  with  no  symptoms  to  distinguish 
the  disease,  or,  if  any,  very  obscure  ;  but  when  the  severe  pain  in  the 
back  and  loins  exists,  the  conjunctiva  injected,  and  a  red  flush  of  the 
face  and  forehead  is  present,  the  identity  of  the  disease  is  no  longer  in 
doubt,  especially  when  extraneous  circumstances,  calculated  to  suggest 
the  probabiHty  of  an  attack  of  yellow-fever,  are  also  present. 

Tkeatment.— In  the  early  stage  of  the  attack  it  should  be  treated, 
as  regards  medicines,  the  same  as  a  case  of  malarial  fever.     If  any  de- 
rangement of  the  stomach  exists,  a  gentle  emetic  is  proper  ;  this  rouses 
the  nervous  system  from  its  lethargy,  promotes  the  action  of  the  liver, 
and,  by  determining  the  blood  to  the  surface,  restores  the  capillary  cir- 
culation.     The  best  emetic  for  this  puriwse  is  lobelia  combined  with 
boneset.     The  febrile  stage  requires  a  thorough  bath  with  tepid  water 
and  whiskey  over  the  entire  surface,  with  friction  by  rubbing  with  a 
towel  or  the  hand.     Large  mustard-poultices  should  be  placed  over  the 
spine  and  abdomen.      Immediately  upon  the  decline  of  fever    if  the 
symptoms  denote  urgency,  administer  the  antiperiodic  remedies  advised 
in  intermittent  and  remittent  fever.     The  sulphate  of  quiuia  may  be 
combined  with  tannin,  because  the  astringent  properties  of  the  tatmin 
have  a  beneficial  eft'ect  in  subduing  inflammatory  action  of  the  mucous 
membranes.     This  remedy  should  not  be  delayed  a  moment  if  the  pa- 
tient is  in  a  period  of  prostration,  and  its  retention  by  the  stomach 
should  be  favored  by  anodynes,  carmmatives,  or  stimulants,  as  the  case 
may  require.     Oil  of  turpentine  and  Cayenne  pepper  can  also  be  com- 
bined with  advantage  in  this  disease.     The  strength  of  the  patient  must 
be  supported  by  every  means  that  can  be  employed— gruel  and  weak 
animal  broths,   bread-water,  my  nutritive  fluids,  milk  and  water,  etc 
are  important  means  for  this  object.      The  revulsive  influence  of  a 
blister  over  the  stomach  is  of  great  service  in  this  stage.     If  reaction  ia 
induced  and  convalescence  established,  the  remaining  strength  of  the 
patient  must  be  carefully  husbanded  by  proper  tonics  and  wholesome 
and  digestible  diet,  increasing  the. quantity  as  the  patient  gahis  strength. 
All  exposed  to  yellow-fever    should   avoid  the  night-air  and  sudden 
changes  of  temperature ;  they  should  sleep  in  the  highest  part  of  the 
house  ;  be  moderate  in  taking  exercise ;  they  should  take  nutritious  but 
not  stimulating  food,  and  never  expose  themselves  to  infected  air  with 
empty  stomachs  or  when  fatigued. 

Typhus  Feveu. 

This  is  also  called  Ilosjutitl,  Jail,  Camp,  Putrid,  and  Sfuji  Fever.     It 
is  usually  preceded  by  lassitude,   debility,   and    loss  of  appetite,   and 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  221 

ushered  in  by  rigors  and  chills,  and  characterized  by  frequent  exacerba- 
tions and  declines  during  its  progress.  It  generally  presents  itself  as 
an  epidemic,  and  runs  a  uniform  course.  From  the  third  to  the  seventh 
day  of  the  fever  the  peculiar  iietecliial  eruption  occurs.  It  is  of  a  florid, 
reddish,  or  reddish-pink  color,  disappearing  on  pressure,  which  distin- 
guishes it  from  the  petechia;  of  typhoid.  The  breathing  is  hurried,  the 
skin  dry  and  hot,  the  tongue  thickly  coated,  and  the  thirst  urgent. 
There  Ls  great  distress  about  the  head,  which  often  results  in  delirium. 
This  stage  of  excitement  continues  generally,  with  little  increase  or 
abatement  in  the  symptoms,  for  some  time.  The  fever  is  greatest 
towards  evening,  least  in  the  morning.  The  bowels  are  generally  cos- 
tive, and  if  it  continues  for  some  time,  all  the  secretions  become  vitiated, 
the  body  exhaling  a  nauseous  odor,  and  the  tongue,  gums,  and  teeth 
become  coated  with  a  dark-brown  slime.  Collapse  generally  follows, 
voluntary  powers  depressed,  surface  relaxed,  and  diminished  in  temper- 
ature, often  covered  with  a  clammy  sweat ;  pulse  small  and  tremulous. 
The  tongue  becomes  black  and  dry,  voice  faint,  breathing  short,  feeble, 
and  very  anxious.  The  mental  functions  become  greatly  disordered, 
the  patient  is  restless  and  fearful,  his  delirium  is  low-muttering,  and  he 
lies  in  a  state  of  stupor  from  which  he  can  be  scarcely  aroused.  Often 
an  in'itating  cough  is  present,  coming  on  as  if  in  convidsive  paroxysms. 
In  this  stage  of  collapse  the  patient  is  disposed  to  lie  on  his  back,  with 
his  feet  drawn  up,  and  there  is  a  great  tendency  in  his  body  to  slide 
towards  the  foot  of  the  bed.  As  the  disease  progresses,  all  the  symp  ■ 
toms  of  prostration  increase.  A  convulsive  motion  of  the  tendons,  as 
as  in  typhoid,  is  observed  ;  his  stupor  becomes  fixed ;  hiccough,  in- 
voluntary discharges  from  the  bowels,  a  cadaverous  smeU  of  the  body, 
generally  occur  towards  the  close  of  the  disease.  Death,  in  violent 
cases,  is  generally  preceded  by  extreme  prostration,  cold,  clammy 
sweats,  involuntary  fecal  discharges,  and  a  discharge  of  grumous  blood 
from  the  mouth,  nose,  and  anus  ;  or  by  convulsions. 

This  is  a  contagious  disease,  and  emphatically  one  of  ijoverty  and  low 
life. 

Treatment. — Place  the  patient  in  a  well-ventilated  apartment,  wash 
the  body  with  soap  and  water,  and  give  an  emetic  and  cathartic,  if  the 
patient's  condition  requires  it.  Then  give  quinine  in  two  or  three  grain 
doses  every  two  or  three  hours,  until  its  effects  are  observable.  Con- 
trol the  fever  with  veratmm,  as  advised  in  typhoid  cases.  If  great 
prostration  is  present,  add  capsicum  or  prickly-ash  to  the  quinine,  which 
should  be  continued  in  regular  doses  throughout  the  greater  j^art  of  the 
course  of  the  disease.  A  decoction  of  ladies' -slipjier,  or,  jireferably,  cy- 
pripedin,  in  two  or  three  grain  doses  every  two  hours,  should  be  given 
in  delirium  or  tendinous  convulsions.  Support  the  strength  with  iced- 
milk,  chicken-broth,  beef-tea,  milk-punch,  etc.     The  bladder  should  re- 


222  THE    COMPLETK    HERBALIST. 

ceive  attention,  and,  if  distended,  should  be  evacuated  by  the  influence 
of  a  sitz-bath,  or  by  a  catheter.  In  cases  of  cerebro-spinal  congestions, 
make  counter-irritations  along  the  course  of  the  spine,  apply  cold  water 
to  the  head,  and  bottles  of  hot  water  to  the  feet.  Convalescence  is  to 
be  aided  by  the  proper  tonics,  as  golden-seal,  columbo,  etc.,  and  com- 
plete repose  should  be  allowed  to  the  convalescent. 

ERUPTIVE  OR  EXANTHEjMATOUS  FEVERS. 

These  are  all  characterized  by  fever  and  the  usual  constitutional  dis- 
turbances, together  with  an  eruption  or  exanthem  distinguishing  each 
variety.  They  owe  their  origin  to  animal  or  vegetable  malaria,  or  both 
combined,  and  the  peculiarities  of  this  class  are,  that  they,  when  once 
affecting  the  system,  render  the  patient  comparatively  exemjot  from  any 
future  attack  of  the  disease. 

Typhoid  Fever. 

This  is  a  very  insidious  disease,  its  commencement  being  scarcely  per- 
ceptible. The  patient  has  a  sense  of  indisposition,  but  is  unable  to  de- 
scribe his  condition.  He  feels  slight  debility,  a  dull  and  hea\'y  feeling 
in  the  head,  which  increases  and  terminates  in  \'iolent  frontal  headache. 
At  full  development  of  the  disease,  the  limbs  are  weak,  accompanied  by 
lameness,  and  sometimes  rheumatic  pain.  The  bowels  may  at  fi^st  be 
constipated,  but  in  a  few  days  the  tendency  is  to  diarrhoea.  The  ^ulse 
is  quickened,  a  creeping,  chilly  sensation  is  felt,  and  the  skin  is  dry  and 
warm.  The  tongue  is  but  slightly  coated,  and  the  appetite  often 
remains  until  the  disease  is  fully  developed.  After  the  full  develop- 
ment, a  number  of  small  vesicles,  called  sudumince,  may  be  observed  on 
the  abdomen.  They  are  small,  and  may  escape  notice  unless  carefully 
observed.  On  the  fifth  day  after  the  occiurence  of  these,  another  erup- 
tion occurs,  which  consists  of  small  red  or  purple  spots,  resembling  tlea- 
bites.  These  spots  are  called  peteohiw.  If  these  are  observed,  the  dis- 
ease is  unmistakably  typhoid  fever.  When  the  abdomen  is  percussed, 
it  yields  a  drum-like  resonance,  and  a  gurgling  may  be  heard  on  the 
right  side,  a  little  below  the  navel.  Nervous  symptoms  arise,  frequently 
delirium,  great  pain  in  different  parts  of  the  body,  stupor,  and  a  buzzmg 
noise  in  the  head  are  often  complained  of.  The  tongue  becomes  red, 
and  is  protruded  with  much  difficulty,  pulse  increases,  eyes  have  a 
watery  appearance,  and  remain  partly  open  when  asleep.  The  breath- 
ing becomes  difficult,  mouth  half  open,  and  a  black  substance  (sordes) 
collects  on  the  teeth.  The  urine  becomes  nearly  suppressed,  and  has  a 
dark-red  appearance.  The  bowels  bloat,  and  evacuations  of  fi-othy  and 
watery  excrement  are  frequent.  If  the  disease  is  about  to  terminate  unf a- 
voral)ly,  the  patient  becomes  stupid,  with  low,  muttering  delirium,  hia 
muscles  jerk,  hiccoughs,  picks  at  bcd-clothee,  and  labora  under  profound 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  223 

coma.  The  anatomical  character  of  this  disease  is  ulceration  of  certain 
glands,  called  Peyerian,  of  the  intestines,  which  are  sometimes  perforat- 
ed by  the  process,  when,  of  course,  death  inevitably  follows.  The  course 
of  the  disease  is  from  11  to  21  days. 

Treatment.  — If  the  disease  is  suspected,  the  patient  should  be  placed 
in  bed,  and  his  bowels  evacuated  by  warm-water  injections,  if  costive. 
If  indigestible  food  is  contained  in  his  stomach,  an  emetic  of  lobelia 
should  be  administered.  Rice-gruel  should  then  be  given.  The  tinc- 
tiu'e  of  American  Hellebore  should,  on  the  approach  of  the  febrile  parox- 
ysm, be  given  until  the  pulse  becomes  less  frequent,  and  per.spiration 
ensues.  Lye  and  slipperj'-elm  poultices  should  be  applied  to  the  abdo- 
raen  as  long  as  bowel  symptoms  prove  troublesome.  Quinine  and  Hy- 
drastin  should  be  exhibited,  with  a  view  to  overcome  the  periodicity  of 
the  fever.  At  the  same  time  a  cold  infusion  of  marsh  mallow,  acacia, 
and  flax-seed,  should  be  taken.  Apply  cold  water  to  the  head,  and  keep 
the  feet  warm.  Control  the  fever  throughout  its  whole  course  with  the 
veratrum  or  aconite.  If  the  patient  is  restless  and  unable  to  sleep,  give 
a  little  morphine  in  a  decoction  of  Ladies' -slipper.  If  the  diarrhoea  is 
persistent,  let  the  patient  take  a  decoction  of  rhus  and  cranes-bill. 
When  the  red  tongue  is  noticed,  administer  the  spirits  of  turpentine,  in 
from  six  to  ten  drop  doses,  three  or  four  times  a  day.  Beef-tea,  brandy, 
etc.,  should  be  given  to  support  the  strength  through  the  course  of  the 
disease.  During  convalescence  care  should  be  taken  that  the  patient 
does  not  eat  hearty  food.  Convalescence  should  be  assisted  by  golden- 
seal and  other  tonics.  The  danger  in  the  treatment  of  this  disease  is 
over-medication,  and  hence  only  such  agents  as  are  chemically  called 
for  should  be  given,  and  the  patient's  strength  well  supported  through- 
out the  course  of  the  fever. 

Diphtheria. 

Diphtheria  is  scarcely  more  than  a  modification  of  scarlet  fever.  The 
patient  first  complains  of  lassitude,  headache,  loss  of  appetite,  has 
rigors  and  chills,  active  and  quick  pulse,  a  light  furred  tongue,  red- 
ness of  the  back  of  mouth,  enlargement  of  the  glands  about  the  neck, 
a  hot,  dry,  and  pungent  skin,  and  in  most  cases  an  exiidation  upon  the 
mucous  surfaces  of  the  upper  air-passages.  This  soon  becomes  or- 
ganized into  a  tough,  white  membrane,  covering  the  soft  palate  and 
tonsils.  These  sometimes  degenerate  into  ulcers.  The  breathing  in 
consequence  of  this  membrane  becomes  hurried  and  difficult,  pulse 
quick,  and  frequently  the  asphyxia  ensuing  ends  in  death  ;  it  generally 
reigns  as  an  epidemic  and  is  regarded  as  contagious. 

Treatment. — The  first  step  in  the  treatment  should  be  a  thorough 
emetic  and  an  active  cathartic ;  free  perspiration  should  be  produced 
by  aconite  or  veratrum,  and  the  kidneys  should  be  kept  in  vigorous 


224  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

operation.  Flannel  cloths,  wet  with  the  compound  tincture  of  capsi- 
cum, mjrrh,  and  lobelia,  should  be  apjDlied  to  the  neck,  changed  every 
half  hour,  and  applied  as  hot  as  the  patient  can  bear  it.  Jugs  of  hot 
water  should  be  applied  to  the  feet.  The  intlanimation  of  the  throat 
should  be  subdued  by  a  gargle  of  a  hot  decoction  of  golden-seal.  If 
the  disea.se  assumes  an  unfavorable  aspect,  give  a  powder  containing 
one  grain  of  quinine,  one-half  grain  of  capsicum,  and  one  grain  of  hy- 
drastin  every  two  hours.  If  the  patches  ulcerate,  use  a  gargle  of  su- 
mach and  wild  indigo.  For  the  difBculty  of  breathing  give  sanguinaria 
and  lobelia  in  emetic  doses  for  the  purpose  of  dislodging  the  membrane. 
The  .secretions  should  be  increased  even  to  ptyalism  by  irisin,  the  effecf, 
of  which  will  be  to  overcome  the  atlhesiveness  of  the  membrane.  The 
"  Herbal  Ointment  "  used  for  this  inirpose,  and  also  to  subdue  the  local 
inrtammation,  acts  .specifically  and  should  be  used  in  all  cases. 

Diu-ing  convalescence  the  diet  should  be  nutritious,  and   baths,  fresh 
air,  and  a  liberal  amount  of  fresh  fruits  ordered. 

Small-Pox    (Variola). 

The  .symptoms  are  divided  into  four  pcriod.s.  The  period  of  invasion  oc- 
cupies about  three  days,  and  is  marked  by  languor,  lassitude,  restlessness, 
stretching,  gaping,  petulance,  sullen  mood  ;  these  are  followed  by  'chills 
and  rigors.  Towards  evening  the  skin  becomes  hot  and  dry,  pain  at^cks 
the  head,  loss  of  appetite,  nau.sea,  and  frequently  lumbago.  On  the 
third  day,  heat,  fever,  Hushed  face,  headache,  and  in  chililren  some- 
times convulsions.  The  period  of  eiiiption  commences  on  the  fourth  day 
(often  on  the  third),  with  the  appearance  of  a  series  of  small  red  circular 
points  (papulae).  They  do  not  rise  above  the  surface  then,  but  can  be 
seen  in  it,  and  felt  by  the  finger.  They  are  situated  in  the  substance 
of  the  skin,  and  roll  about  uuder  the  finger,  the  size  that  of  a  small  pin's 
head.  These  gradually  enlarge,  the  patient  in  the  mean  time  sufEermg 
severely,  untD  the  period  of  suppuration  arrives.  The  fever  is  now 
great,  the  hands,  feet,  and  face  swell,  and  salivation  is  profuse  and  con- 
stant. There  is  hoar.sencss  and  pain,  and  the  saliva  emits  a  most  dis- 
agreeable odor.  Then  comes  the  period  of  recovery.  The  pustules 
scab,  the  fever  and  other  unpleasant  symptoms  gradually  disappear, 
and.  if  all  goes  right,  the  danger  is  over  from  the  twelfth  to  the  fif- 
teenth day  after  the  eruption. 

What  is  known  as  on  fluent  small-pox  is  when  the  pustulus  are  very 
numerous  and  running  together  ;  and  when  all  the  symptoms  are  very 
severe,  the  disease  is  known  as  m<iJi(jaaat.  Variola  patients  emit  a 
peculiar  fetid  odor,  which  is  characteristic,  and  distinguishes  it  from 
Varioloid. 

TiiK.VT.MKNT. — An  active  purge  .should  be  given  at  the  outset.  For 
this  i)uii)o.se  a  couibuiation  like  the    " Ileyuvatiug  Pills"  .should   be 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  225 

selected,  as  the  catharsis  produced  is  thoroufrh  and  unattended  with 
subsequent  debility  or  costiveness.  Diaphoretics  should  be  given  to 
promote  early  appearance  of  the  eruption.  The  patient  should  be 
placed  ia  a  cool  and  well-ventilated  room,  and  frequently  sponged  with 
tepid  water.  Not  much  treatment  of  a  medicinal  character  is  required. 
The  fever  should  be  controlled  by  aconite  or  veratrum,  as  in  all  active 
fevers.  If  complicated  with  pneumonia,  pleurisy,  etc.,  the  treatment 
nece.ssary  is  such  as  is  advised  in  those  diseases.  Pitting  to  a  great 
extent  may  be  avoided  by  sweet-oil  applied  to  hands  and  face. 

Varioloid  is  but  modified  smaU-pox.  It  has  aU  the  essential  charac- 
teristics of  the  disease  except  its  virulence.  The  treatment  is  the  same 
as  advised  for  small  pox. 

The  utility  of  vacciuation  is  a  mooted  question.  It  has  unquestion- 
ably done  gi-eat  harm,  as  in  many  cases  scrofulous  and  syphilitic  taints 
have  been  implanted.  Aside  from  this,  however,  it  has  been  the  means 
of  almost  banishing  the  dreadful  plague  from  existence,  and  its  practice 
should  be  encouraged.  Great  care,  however,  should  be  exercised  in 
the  selection  of  the  vaccine  virus,  so  that  its  purity  is  unquestionably 
established  before  being  used  as  an  agent  of  prevention. 

Chicken  Pox  {Varicella). 

This  is  a  very  mild  eruptive  disease,  characterized  by  a  slight  fever 
of  short  duration,  aud  followed  by  vesicles  which  desquamate  about  the 
fifth  or  sixth  day.  The  fever  is  sometimes  ushered  in  by  slight  rigors, 
though  there  is  seldom  any  chill.  There  is  often  headache,  and  vomit- 
ing occasionally.  The  erujition  appears  in  one  or  two  days  after  the 
inauguration  of  the  fever.  It  consists  of  red  spots  at  first,  which 
quickly  become  vesicular,  and  are  frequently  attended  with  itching. 

Treatment. — Very  little  treatment  ia  required,  except  incases  of 
feeble  vitality,  when  the  disease  often  assumes  a  severe  character.  In 
such  cases  the  stomach  and  bowels  should  be  well  cleansed,  the  surface 
sponged  with  hot  water,  and  the  fever  controlled  with  arterial  sedatives. 
Tonics  should  be  given  if  the  patient  is  enfeebled.  The  diet  should  be 
nutritious,  but  comi^osed  of  easily  digested  articles. 

Measles  (Rubeola). 

This  is  an  acute  inflammation  of  the  entire  skin,  of  an  infectious  and 
contagious  nature.  It  is  ushered  in  with  chills,  followed  by  heat,  drow- 
suiess,  para  in  head,  back,  and  limbs,  sore  throat,  dry  cough,  and  other 
symptoms  common  to  febrile  action,  growing  hx  violence  until  the  fourth 
day.  Then  the  eruption  appears,  producing  heat  and  itching.  The 
breaking  out  appears  in  patches  of  half-moon  shape,  which  distiiigiiishes 
this  disease  from  the  other  eruptive  diseases.  They  reach  their  height 
at  the  fifth  day  on  the  face  and  neck,  and  on  the  legs  about  the  seventh 
10*  P 


fl26  THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

day.  Their  decline  is  in  the  same  order  as  appearance,  disappearing^ 
about  the  tenth  day,  when  the  scarfskin  peals  off  in  the  shape  of  scurf. 
Treatment. — If  the  attack  be  a  mild  one,  all  the  treatment  neces- 
sary consists  in  light  diet,  acid  and  demulcent  drinks,  as  flaxseed-tea 
decoction  of  slippeiy-elm,  etc.  Sponging  with  tepid  water  is  very 
grateful  to  the  sufferer  in  all  cases.  If  during  the  first  stage  the 
eruption  should  be  tai'dy  in  its  coming,  it  should  be  hastened  by  a 
warm  bath,  and  sweating  drinks  made  from  saffron,  muUeiu,  penny- 
royal, summer  savory,  etc.  If  tardy  on  account  of  excessive  fever,  give 
tincture  of  green  hellebore,  ipecac,  lobelia,  snake-root,  etc.  In  en- 
feebled constitutions  stimulants  are  necessary. 

Scarlet  Fever  {Scarlatina). 

Also  a  contagious  disease.  The  eruption  is  in  the  shape  of  pimples 
of  a  scarlet  hue,  displayed  in  patches  over  the  whole  surface.  The 
fever  is  usually  more  intense  than  in  measles,  and  accompanied  by  sore 
throat,  swollen  face,  and  coated  tongue.  The  greatest  degree  of  red- 
ness is  attained  at  the  third  or  fourth  day.  The  decline  is  the  same  as 
in  measles.  Scarlet  fever  is  distinguished  from  other  diseases  by  the 
swollen  condition  of  the  flesh,  which  spreads  out  the  fingers  peculiarly. 
The  throat  becomes  ulcerated,  and  swaUowiug  is  attended  with  pain 
and  difficulty.  There  is  no  cough,  which  also  distinguishes  it^from 
measles. 

The  foUowing  will  show  the  difference  between  scarlet  fever  and 
measles : — 

In  Scarlet  Fever.  In  Measles. 

The  eruption  is  bright  scarlet.  The  eniption  is  dai-k-red  color. 

It  appears  on  the  second  day.  Does  not  appear  till  the  fourth  day. 

Is  quitu  smooth  to  the  touch.  Is  raised. 

Is  in  small  round  spots.  Is  larger  and  crescent-shaped. 

Disappears  on  pressure.  Doss  not  disappear. 

The  face  is  quite  dry.  Face  swelled  ;  running  from  the  eyes  and 

and  nose. 

Treatment. — This  should  be  cooling  in  its  nature,  cooling  drinks, 
sponging  with  cold  water,  etc.  In  ordinary  cases  little  more  is  required, 
excepting  a  few  drops  of  tincture  of  belladonna  may  be  given  several 
times  per  day.  When  high  fever  exists,  give  the  remedies  advised  in 
measles.  Hot  foot-baths  are  advisable.  As  this  is  a  prostrative  disease, 
oeef-tea  and  the  ordinary  stimulants  should  be  given  from  the  first. 
What  is  called  malignant  scarlet  fever  is  only  a  severer  form  than  the 
above.  Gargles  of  sage  and  Cayenne  pepper  are  used  to  allay  the  throat 
affections.  The  abscesses  in  the  region  of  the  ear,  and  consequent  deaf- 
ness, can  be  obviated  by  subduing  the  inllammatiou  of  that  part  by  the 
usual  methods. 


the  complete  herbalist.  227 

Nettle  Rash. 

This  commences  with  fever,  lusting  two  or  three  days  ;  then  itching 
pimples,  diversified  in  shape,  appear,  which  go  off  during  the  day  and 
come  again  at  night.  Teething  causes  it  sometimes,  while  at  other 
times  it  is  due  to  improper  diet. 

Treatment. — This  is  indicated  by  thecaiise.  If  due  to  indigestible 
food,  the  stomach  must  be  unloaded  by  an  emetic  of  blood-root  or 
ipecacuanha.  A  lotion  of  vinegar  and  water  is  of  service.  Tonics  and 
simple  diet  wiU  complete  the  cure. 

Erysipelas. 

This  disease  commences  with  languor,  aching  or  soreness  of  the 
limbs,  chilliness,  alternating  with  flushes  of  heat.  The  pulse  is  quick, 
skin  hot,  tongue  foul,  appetite  gone,  thirst,  nausea  sometimes;  vom- 
iting, headache,  restlessness,  sore  throat,  swelling  and  tenderness  of 
the  glands  of  the  neck,  armi-pits,  or  groin,  according  to  the  seat  of  the 
cutaneous  inflammation.  The  eruption  usually  makes  its  appearance, 
about  the  third  day  of  the  fever,  in  the  form  of  a  small  reddish  spot, 
somewhat  elevated,  painful  or  tender  to  the  touch.  This  occurs  most 
frequently  upon  the  face,  especially  on  the  side  of  the  nose,  cheek,  or 
rim  of  the  ear.  In  some  instances  the  inflammation  advances  slowly, 
in  others  it  spreads  quickly  over  large  portions  of  the  body,  accom- 
panied by  tumefaction,  and  a  burning  and  stinging  pain  in  aU  cases. 
About  the  third  day  of  the  inflammation  smaU  blisters,  filled  with  yel- 
low serum,  appear,  which  break  about  three  days  afterward.  On  the 
fifth  or  sixth  day  they  begin  to  dry,  and  on  the  seventh  or  eighth  form 
crusts  or  scabs,  which  desquamate,  and  a  new  skin  forms.  In  phlegmon- 
ous erysipelas  the  inflammation  involves  not  only  the  skin,  but  the  sub- 
cutaneous tissues  also,  and  the  symptoms  are  aU  severer.  It  often 
assumes  a  very  malignant  type,  and  is  then  a  disease  of  a  most  fatal 
character.  It  is  liable  to  attack  wounds ;  and  those  who  are  nursing 
patients  suffering  with  erysipelas  should  never  wait  upon  a  woman  who 
has  been  but  recently  confined,  as  she  wiU  be  very  liable  to  contract 
puerjjeral  peritonitis,  a  very  fatal  disease. 

Treatment. — Give  a  lobelia  emetic,  a  mild  purge,  and  a  hot  bath 
at  the  commencement.  In  the  mild  form  cover  the  inflamed  patch 
with  collodion,  and  renew  every  two  or  three  hours.  The  emetic  and 
piirge  should  be  followed  with  quinine  in  two  or  three  grain  doses  every 
three  hours.  The  inflamed  surface  should  also  be  washed  with  a  de^ 
coction  of  the  bark,  or  a  solution  of  quinine.  Bruised  cranberries  are  a 
good  application.  Cloths  wrung  out  of  a  hot  decoction  of  white -oak 
bark  and  golden-seal  should  be  applied  to  the  inflamed  part  to  pre- 
vent spreading.  In  wounds  apply  lint  saturated  with  compound  tinc- 
ture of  myrrh  and  capsicum.     If  the  fever  is  violent,  treat  it  as  in  all 


228  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

other  febrile  cases.      A  nutritive  diet  should  follow  medical  treatment 
as  soon  as  the  disease  has  passed  its  active  career. 

Rose  Rash  (Roseola). 

This  is  an  eruptive  disease  of  little  importance.  The  febrile  symp- 
toms are  shght,  more  or  less  attended  with  gastric  derangement,  which 
continues  two  or  three  days  before  the  rash  appears  and  subsides  with 
it.  The  eruption  generally  commences  upon  the  face,  is  of  uniform 
redness,  and  causes  itching  or  tingling.  The  rash  continues  from  one 
to  five  days,  and  is  followed  by  a  slight  scaling  off  of  the  skin.  It  ia 
often  the  accompaniment  of  dentition  and  is  not  contagious. 

Treatment. — Little  more  is  necessary  than  a  warm  bath  and  a  few 
drops  of  veratnim.  If  the  eruption  is  troublesome,  two  or  three  drops 
of  tincture  of  Belladonna  should  be  added  to  a  tumbler  of  water,  and  a 
teaspoonful  given  occasionally. 

Ekythema. 

The  eruption  of  this  disease  is  of  superficial  redness,  generally  in  ir- 
regular patches,  slightly  elevated,  and  attended  with  heat,  tingling,  and 
sometimes  slight  pain.  It  may  be  local  or  owing  to  constitutional  dis- 
turbance. It  may  be  caused  by  friction  of  contiguous  surfaces,  as  in  the 
groin  and  arm-pits,  in  fat  infants,  particularly  when  not  frequently 
washed.  When  owing  to  constitutional  causes,  it  usiially  appeal's  on. 
the  face,  breast  or  limbs.     It  lasts  from  a  few  days  to  a  week  or  longer. 

Treatment.  — If  the  cause  can  be  ascertained,  it  should  be  removed 
by  the  proper  remedies.  Anoint  the  affected  part  with  a  little  lime- 
water  and  sweet-oil,  or  bathe  with  a  strong  decoction  of  golden-seal. 
Glycerine  may  also  be  applied,  but  if  you  can  procure  the  "Herbal 
Ointment"  (see  page469>  I  ad\dse  its  application,  as  it  is  a  specific  for 
this  and  kindred  affections. 

Glanders. 

This  may  be  contracted  from  the  horse,  and  is  a  very  malignant  dis- 
ease. It  is  characterized  by  a  purulent  and  sometimes  bloody  discharge 
from  the  nose,  a  peculiar  pustular  eruption,  and  by  tumors  in  different 
parts  of  the  body.  Its  initial  stage  is  the  same  as  in  all  eruptive  fevers, 
attended  with  neuralgic  pains  in  the  limbs.  In  the  course  of  four  or 
five  days  the  eruption  makes  its  appearance  in  different  parts  of  the 
body,  usually  most  abimdant  upon  the  face  and  limbs.  The  discharge 
from  the  nose  ensues  in  the  course  of  a  week  or  ten  days,  being  at  first 
yellowish,  afterwards  bloody,  and  very  offensive.  The  body  finally  ex- 
hales a  fetid  odor,  the  mind  wanders,  delirium  and  coma  follow,  and 
by  the  end  of  the  second  week,  or  during  the  third,  it  generally  proves 
fatal,  if  not  arrcsied  sooner  in  its  course.     It  is  fortunately  very  rare ; 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  229 

and  attendants  upon  a  horse  affected  with  glanders  should  be  very  care- 
ful that  they  do  not  come  in  contact  with  the  virus.  The  affected 
horse  should  be  shot,  as  the  disease  is  very  seldom  cured. 

Tkeatment.— Support  the  strength  of  the  patient,  and  stimidate  the 
emunctories.  This  can  be  best  achieved  by  a  thorough  alcoholic  vapor 
bath,  followed  by  an  active  lobelia  emetic  and  a  brisk  cathartic.  After 
this  give  quinine,  three  grains,  and  baptisin,  two  grains,  every  two  or 
three  hours,  for  a  day  or  two.  The  nostrils  should  be  syringed  with 
warm  water,  to  which  a  few  drops  of  creosote  has  been  added,  three  or 
four  times  a  day.  The  throat  may  be  gargled  with  the  same  prepara- 
tion. Support  the  strength  with  chicken-broth,  rice-gruel,  cream, 
punch,  porter,  ale,  etc.  If  this  course  is  not  effectual,  repeat  every 
thi'ee  or  four  days. 

Dandy  Fever  {Dengue). 

This  disease  occasionally  prevails  as  an  epidemic  in  the  southern  sea- 
coast  towns.  There  is  pain,  stiffness  of  the  neck,  back,  and  loins,  and 
swelling  of  the  muscles  of  the  limbs  and  joints.  Intolerance  of  light, 
restlessness,  chilliness,  fever,  headache,  a  full  and  quick  pulse,  red 
eyes,  a  hot  and  dry  skin,  and  an  intense  thirst  prevail.  The  fever 
usually  lasts  from  one  to  two  days,  when  a  gradual  remission  occurs, 
and  the  patient  feels  quite  comfortable.  After  an  interval  of  two  or 
three  days  the  fever  returns,  the  pains  are  increased,  the  tongue  is 
thickly  coated,  the  stomach  irritable,  and  the  patient  becomes  dejected 
and  fretful.  Nausea  is  a  prominent  symptom,  but  seldom  any  vomiting 
occurs.  About  the  sixth  or  seventh  day  an  eruption,  resemljling  scar- 
latina, appears,  and  gives  relief  to  the  distressing  symptoms.  It  dis- 
appears after  two  or  three  days,  the  color  of  the  sldn  gradually  fading, 
with  slight  desquamation.  The  duration  of  the  disease  is  about  eight 
days.  The  causes  are  evidently  miasmatic  poison,  in  concert  with  epi- 
demic influence. 

Treatment. — Essentially  the  same  as  in  scarlatina,  accompanied 
with  such  remedies  as  advised  in  rheumatism.  Quinine,  in  antiperiodic 
doses,  should  also  be  administered,  and  the  anodynes  should  be  given 
if  the  pains  are  severe.  Tonics  may  be  required  in  some  cases  ;  and  in 
convalescence,  frequent  baths,  a  generous  diet,  and  out-door  exercises 
should  be  prescribed. 

Purpura. 

This  affection  is  characterized  by  a  greater  or  lesser  number  of  livid 
spots  on  the  skin,  from  extravasated  blood.  In  simple  cases  the  effu- 
sion is  confined  to  the  skin  and  cellular  tissues,  mostly  occurring  on  the 
arms,  legs,  and  breasts.  The  spots  at  first  are  small,  and  resemble  flea- 
bites.     The  countenance  is  pale,  and  the  patient  complains  of  debility, 


230  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

loss  of  appetite,  irreg-ularity  of  the  bowels,  and  periodic  fever.  If  al- 
lowed to  progress,  it  will  assume  a  form  known  as  purpura  hemorrhagica, 
in  which  the  spots  are  longer,  and  resemble  whip-marks  or  violent  bruises. 
They  are  bright  red  at  first,  but  become  purple  or  .livid.  A  great 
variety  of  symptoms  are  presented  by  each  case,  and  the  disease  is  a 
very  singular  one. 

Treatment. — In  the  simple  form  a  very  liberal  diet  of  fresh  vege- 
tables, out-door  exercise,  and  some  simple  tonic,  are  all  that  is  neces- 
sary. In  the  hemorrhagic  character,  quinine,  in  one  or  two  grain  doses, 
should  be  given  every  three  hours.  Diet  should  consist  of  green  vege- 
tables, salt  meats,  eggs,  and  the  free  use  of  lemonade.  A  liniment  of 
camphor,  whiskey,  and  turpentine  should  be  externally  applied.  If  in- 
ternal hemorrhage  occurs,  give  oil  of  erigeron,  in  five -drop  doses,  every 
half  hour ;  or  matico,  in  from  five  to  ten  grain  doses,  may  be  adminis- 
tered every  twenty  minutes  until  it  ceases. 

ANATOMY  OF  THE  ORGANS  OF  DIGESTION. 

Mouth. — The  mouth  is  separated  from  the  nose  by  the  hard  and  soft 
palate,  and  communicates.  It  is  bounded  in  front  by  the  lips,  and  its 
sides  by  the  cheeks.  The  space  between  the  hps  and  teeth  is  called  the 
vestibule.  The  mouth  is  lined  by  a  mucous  membrane,  which  is  covered 
by  numerous  glands,  some  being  mucous  and  some  salivary.  The  toouth 
contains  a  double  row  of  teeth,  thirty-two  in  the  aggregate,  perfopning 
the  first  process  in  digestion,  the  ina^ticatwn  of  food. 

Tongue.  — The  tongue  is  an  oblong,  flattened,  muscular  body,  which 
varies  in  size  and  shape  ;  it  is  the  organ  of  taste,  and  also  of  importance 
in  speech  and  mastication.  Its  posterior  extremity  or  root  is  attached 
to  a  bone,  called  the  hi/oid,  by  yellow  filtrous  tissue.  Its  anterior  ex- 
tremity is  called  the  tip  ;  its  intervening  portion  its  body.  The  mucous 
covering  of  the  tongue  is  very  thick  ui^on  its  upper  surface,  and  very 
thin  upon  its  under  siirface.  Upon  its  upper  surface  are  a  number  of 
projections,  of  various  sizes  and  shapes,  called  pa/pill^.  The  largest  are 
eight  or  nine  in  number,  called  papilhe  mnximm,  and  are  situated  at  the 
posterior  portion  of  the  tongue,  in  two  convergent  lines.  The  smallest 
papillae  are  fine  and  pointed,  and  are  found  near  the  middle  of  the 
tongue,  and  are  termed  filiform.  The  intermediate  papilla3  are  most 
abvmdant,  some  oi  ys,'h.\ch.  are  conical,  otlieYs,  fungiform.  The  tongue 
assists  in  the  process  of  deglutition. 

Palate. — The  palate  separates  the  back  portion  of  the  nose  from 
the  mouth,  and  is  divided  into  two  parts.  The  hard  palate,  of  a  bony 
base,  covered  by  mucous  memVjrane,  which  is  continuous  with  that 
of  the  mouth ;  the  soft  palate  is  the  membranous  separation  between 
the  back  portion  of  the  mouth  and  nose.  From  the  middle  the 
umiUi  projects,  about  three-quarters  of  an  inch  in  length;   from  each 


THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 


231 


Bide  of  the  UTula  there  are  two  divergent  crescentic  folds  of  mncous 
membrane,  which  are  called  lateral  half-arches ;  the  space  between 
which  constitutes  the  fauces. 

Between  the  anterior  and  posterior  arches  of  each  side  is  the 
toiisil gland.  The  tonsils  are  about  the  size  of  an  almond,  and  consist 
of  a  collection  of  large  mucous  foUicles. 

Salivary  Glands. — The  salivary  glands  are  of  light  pink  color,  and 
their  secretion  is  of  great  sei"vice  in  mastication  and  digestion.  These 
are  three  in  number  —  the  parotid,  submaxillary,  and  sublLugual.  The 
parotid  is  the  largest ;  it  Ues  on  the  side  of  the  face  in  front  of  the 
ear,  and  beneath  the  sliin.  The  submaxillary  lies  in  a  depression  on 
the  internal  face  of  the  lower  jaw-bone.  The  sublingual  is  the  small- 
est of  the  three  ;  it  is  situated  under  the  tongue. 

PhaiTjnx.  —  The  pharynx  is  a  muscular  and  membranous  sac,  com- 
municating with  the  mouth,  nose,  oesophagus,  larynx,  and  the  tube 
(Eustachian)  leading  to  the  ear.  Its  length  is  about  five  inches,  al- 
though this  varies  by  extension  and  contraction.  Its  uses  are  for  deglu- 
tition, respiration,  and  modulation  of  the  voice. 

(Esophagus.  — This  is  the  canal  that  conveys  the  food  from  the  pharynx 
to  the  stomach.  Its  length  is  about  nine  or  ten  inches,  and  its  dia- 
meter is  not  uniform,  gradually  increasing  (as  it  descends).  Its  upper 
portion  is  the  narrowest  part  of  the  alimentary  canal ;  and  hence 
foreign  bodies  which  are  too  large  to  pass  through  the  alimentary 
canal  are  generally  arrested  in  the  neck.  It  never  contains  air.  Deglu- 
tition is  performed  by  the  contraction  of  the  longitudinal  fibres  of  the 
oesophagus,  which  shor- 
ten the  passage,  and  by 
contraction  of  its  circu- 
lar fibres  successively 
from  above  downward. 
Stomach. — The  stom- 
ach is  a  conoidal  sac, 
somewhat  bent  or  curv- 
ed, and  situated  below 
the  breast-bone  or  in 
the  epigastric  region. 
The  left*  extremity  is 
much  the  larger,  and 
terminates  in  a  rounded 
sac  ;  at  the  upper  por- 
tions of  this  extremity 
is  the  cardiac  orifice^ 
where  the  oesophagus  is 
continued  into  the  stomach,  immediately  below  the  diaphragm. 


The  Stomach. 


The 


232  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

right  extremity  is  continuous  with  the  intestines,  and  its  orifice  is 
called  the  pyhric.  The  structure  of  the  pylorus  is  much  thicker  than 
that  of  anj'  other  portion.  The  stomach  is  held  in  its  position  by  the 
oesophagus'  and  the  duodenum,'"  as  well  as  by  reflexions  of  the  perito- 
neum. The  upper  and  lower  curvatures  of  the  stomach  are  called  the 
greater  and  lesser  cuvatures.  °  ^  Near  the  pyloric  extremity  of  the  stom- 
ach is  a  small  dilatation'  called  the  antrum  pylori.  The  dimensions  of 
the  stomach  are  variable,  depending  upon  the  mode  of  life.  It  has  four 
coats  ;  the  peritoneal,  muscular,  cellular  and  mucous. 

In  the  stomach  the  food  receives  the  admixtiu'e  of  the  gastric  jxiice, 
which  is  the  solvent  agent  of  digestion.  The  fluids  taken  into  the 
stomach  are  for  the  most  part  absorbed  from  it ;  the  solids,  with  the 
exception  of  the  insoluble  parts,  are  by  the  action  of  the  gastric  juice 
reduced  to  a  substance  called  chyme.,  which  in  general  is  grayish,  semi- 
fluid, homogeneous,  with  a  slightly  acid  taste  and  smell.  The  chyme  is 
then  poTired  into  the  duodenum  through  the  pyloric  oriiice  for  the 
subsequent  action  of  the  intestines. 

Intestines. — The  intestinal  canal  is  from  thirty  to  thirty-five  feet  in 
length,  and  is  divided  into  large  and  sm.all  intestines.  The  small  intes- 
tine is  four-fifths  of  the  length  of  the  M'hole  canal,  reaching  from  the 
pylorus  to  the  large  intestine  ;  it  is  cylindrical,  and  about  one  inch  in 
diameter;  there  is  a  gradual  diminution  in  calibre  as  it  descends. '  |  Its 
coats  are  the  same  as  those  of  the  stomach.  The  mucous  coat  is  Very 
vascular,  and  its  absorbents  are  very  numerous.  The  glands  are  the 
crypts  or  follicles  of  Lieberkiihn,  the  glands  of  Peyer,  the  solitary 
glands,  and  Brunner's  glands. 

The  small  intestine  is  divided  into  duodenum,  jejunum,  and  ileum. 

The  Duodenum  commences  at  the  pylorus,  and  is  about  twelve  inches 
long.  The  common  duct  formed  by  the  junction  of  the  bile  and  gall 
ducts  opens  into  it  about  four  or  five  inches  from  the  pylorus.  The 
Jejunum  (from  jejunus,  empty)  constitutes  the  upper  two-fifths  of  tha 
small  intestine,  and  the  ileum  the  remaining  three-fifths. 

The  large  intestine  reaches  from  the  ileum  to  the  anus,  and  is  one- 
fifth  in  length  of  the  whole  canal;  it  differs  miich  from  the  small 
intestine,  and  has  a  sacculated  appearance.  It  likewise  has  four  coats. 
It  is  divided  into  cascum,  colon,  and  rectum. 

The  Cacum  is  a  cul-de-sac  or  blind  sac,  and  the  commencement  of 
the  large  intestine,  and  hence  often  called  the  caput  coli.  At  the 
uiferior  portion  is  a  worm-like  process  called  the  appendix  vermiformis. 
On  the  side  of  the  ctecum  is  the  ileo-ccvcal  valve,  an  elliptical  opening 
whereby  the  small  intestine  empties  into  the  large. 

The  (John  is  the  largest  portion  of  the  large  intestine  ;  gradually 
diminishes  in  diameter  until  it  terminates  in  the  sigmoid  or  S-like 
flexure  on  the  left  side.     It  ascends  on  the  right  side,  and  forming  an 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  233 

arch  transversely,  descends  upon  the  left  side.  The  Rectum  is  the  ter- 
minating portion  of  the  large  intestine,  and  reaches  from  the  sigmoid 
llexure  to  the  amis.  It  is  somewhat  barrel-shaped,  being  larger  in  the 
middle  than  at  either  end. 

DISEASES   OF   THE   DIGESTIVE   ORGANS. 

Stomatitis. 

This  is  characterized  by  inflammation  of  the  mouth.  It  may  involve 
the  whole  membrane,  or  be  confined  to  isolated  portions.  The  first 
prominent  symptom  is  a  loss  of  taste,  and  a  sensation  similar  to  that 
produced  by  scalding  liquids.  The  surface  is  red,  very  tender,  and 
painful.  The  inflammation  may  extend  to  the  fauces,  nasal  passages, 
and  Eustachian  tube.  The  stomach  often  becomes  irritable,  bowels  loose, 
and  the  patient  debilitated  and  emaciated.  When  caused  by  vitiated 
secretions,  produced  by  the  disturbed  condition  of  the  lymphatics  while 
suckling,  it  is  known  as  '■'•■nursing  sore-mouth,^''  or  technically,  follicular 
sti/matitis.  It  may  then  extend  to  the  stomach  and  bowels,  causing 
ulceration,  diarrhoea,  dyspepsia,  dysentery,  and  great  prostration  of  the 
nervous  system ;  and  if  not  arrested,  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  air 
passages  are  involved,  producing  cough,  expectoration,  tuberculous  de- 
generation and  death.  The  teeth  may  fall  out,  and  the  gums  be  ab- 
sorbed. 

AphthoB  or  Thrush  is  another  form  of  stomatitis.  It  is  generally  cha- 
racterized by  small  vdcers  scattered  over  the  surface,  or  in  patches  of 
white  exudation,  which  may  become  thick  and  absorbed,  and  leave  a 
raw-looking  surface,  or  a  foul  spot.  Children  are  very  liable  to  it,  and  it 
is  generally  caused  by  acidity  of  the  stomach,  or  general  derangement 
of  that  organ  by  imjiroper  diet  or  unhealthy  milk. 

Treatment. — This  depends  upon  the  cause,  which,  if  ascertained, 
should  be  removed.  If  due  to  carious  teeth,  they  should  be  removed, 
and  if  owing  to  dyspepsia,  the  i^roper  remedies  should  be  given.  The 
mouth  should  be  frequently  washed  with  a  warm  decoction  of  golden 
seal.  The  system  should  be  supported  with  tonics,  a  generous  diet,  and 
a  liberal  use  of  fresh  succulent  vegetables,  as  grapes,  etc.,  should  be 
prescribed.  Sage-tea  gargles  are  very  useful.  The  mother  should  also 
pay  attention  to  her  diet,  so  as  not  to  supply  the  babe  with  improper 
milk.  If  due  to  acidity  of  the  stomach,  the  necessary  absorbents 
should  be  administered. 

Glossitis. 

This  is  inflammation  of  the  substance  of  the  tongue,  involving  its 
muscular  structure.  It  usually  commences  with  a  throbbing  pain  in  the 
tongue,  followed  soon  after  mth  redness  and  swelling.     In  the  course 


234 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


of  a  few  hours  the  tongue  enlarg-es  so  much  as  to  fill  the  whole  mouth, 
forces  open  the  jaws,  and  protrudes  from  the  mouth.  Some  fever  usu- 
ally accompanies  it.  Swallowing-  is  usually  almost  impossible,  speech 
gone,  abscesses  may  form,  and  the  tongue  may  even  become  mortified. 
Treatment.— If  due  to  a  disordered  state  of  the  stomach,  an  active 
lobeUa  emetic  should  be  given,  and  followed  with  an  anti-bilious  purge, 
like  the  Renovating  Pill.  If  due  to  scalds  or  bums,  the  mouth  should  be 
washed  with  mucUage  of  flaxseed  and  slippery  elm.  If  due  to  merouiy, 
vai)or  baths  should  be  taken,  a  free  use  of  the  syrup  of  stillingia  resorted 
to,  and  equal  parts  of  charcoal  and  yeast  used  as  a  gargle. 

Quinsy  {Tonsillitis). 

This  consists  of  inflammation  of  the  tonsils,  which  may  in  many 
cases  extend  to  the  adjacent  tissues.  It  usually  commences  with  a  slight 
chill,  followed  by  much  febrile  excitement,  uneasy  feeling  in  the  throat, 
and  difficulty  of  swallowing,  which  increases  in  severity  very  rapidly 
imtil  at  last  deglutition  becomes  almost  impossible.  There  is  a  constant 
disposition  to  swallow,  in  order  to  free  the  fauces  from  a  tenacious, 
colorless  mucus  which  adheres  to  that  part.  The  respiration  is  not 
much  affected  unless  in  bad  cases.  From  the  commencement  there  ia 
fever,  severe  headache,  imd  a  rapid  pulse.  The  tennination  is  usually 
an  abscess,  which  at  length  opens,  and  a  discharge  of  very  fetid  pus  en- 
sues, which  affords  relief.  The  duration  of  the  disease  is  usually  about 
a  week,  and  is  scarcely  ever  fatal. 

Treatment.— Administer  a  free  lobeha  emetic,  and  anoint  the  throat 
thoroughly  with  the  Herbal  Ointment.  In  ordmary  fonns  this  will  be 
sufficient.  If  an  abscess,  however,  forms,  it  should  be  evacuated  by 
an  incision.  In  malarial  districts,  quinine  in  anti-periodic  doses  may  be 
necessary,  and  if  the  fever  is  severe,  veratrum  should  be  given.  The 
throat  should  be  gargled  with  a  decoction  of  golden  seal,  and  to  prevent 
termination  into  induration  and  permanent  enlargement,  alteratives 
should  be  given,  especially  in  strumous  habits. 

Pharyngitis. 

This  is  characterized  either  by  acute,  sub-acute,  or  chronic  inflamma- 
tion of  the  pharj-nx.  There  is  slight  pain  upon  pressure,  or  in  the  act 
of  swallowing.  It  is  seldom  attended  with  fever,  but  in  severe  cases 
abscesses  may  form,  causiiig  great  difficulty  in  swallowing  and  breath- 
ing. In  the  acute  form  the  inflammation  is  usually  limited  to  the 
mucous  membrane,  and  simply  constitutes  an  erythematic  affection. 
The  chronic  form  is  known  as  "  dcrcjymaii'ssore  throat,''''  and  is  attended 
with  a  dry,  hacking  cough,  hoarseness,  and  a  sense  of  fatigue  of  the 
vocal  organs  after  a  slight  exercise. 

Treatjnient.  — The  treatment  of  simple  pharyngitis  is  but  little  moie 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  235 

than  merely  to  regulate  the  stomach  and  bowels,  the  external  applica- 
tion of  cold  packs,  and  a  few  days'  resj;.  In  the  chronic  form  an  in- 
vigorating and  tonic  course  of  treatment  should  be  pursued,  in  connec- 
tion with  rest,  baths,  and  pure  air.  To  relieve  the  local  difficulty,  one 
grain  of  stillLngia  may  be  mixed  with  a  drachm  of  sugar,  divided  into  ten 
powders,  of  which  one  should  be  taken  every  two  hours.  The  inhala- 
tion of  hot  vapor  from  bitter  herbs  is  to  be  recommended.  Blood-root 
■  in  connection  ^vith  constitutional  treatment  is  highly  beneficial.  Patients 
will  find  that  my  "Acacian  Balsam"  in  the  chronic  form  is  a  virtual 
specific ;  the  Herbal  Ointment  should  also  be  outwardly  appUed.  If 
owing  to  a  comi^licated  constitutional  disorder,  or  if  it  exists  in  associa- 
tion with  catarrh,  it  constitutes  an  affection  requiring  the  most  skilful 
treatment,  and  those  who  may  wish  my  advice  in  such  cases  may  refer 
to  page  390  for  general  directions  for  consultation. 

Parotitis  {Mumps). 

Mumps  is  an  inflammatory  affection  of  the  salivary  glands,  especially 
the  parotids.  It  generally  commences  with  slight  fever,  stiffness  of  the 
jaws,  and  a  slight  pain  or  swelling  in  one  jr  both  parotid  glands.  The 
parts  are  hot,  painful,  and  very  tender  upon  pressure.  Mastication  and 
swallowing  become  painful,  which  causes  considerable  nervous  irrita- 
bility. Metastasis  to  the  breasts  of  the  female  and  to  testicles  of  the 
male  is  liable  to  occur,  especially  if  the  patient  is  subjected  to  undue 
exposure.  Inflammation  of  the  brain  may  occur  in  some  cases.  It 
reaches  its  height  in  about  four  days,  disappeaiing  entirely  about  the 
seventh. 

Treatment. — Keep  the  patient  qixiet,  and  give  a  mild  purge.  For 
external  application  a  liniment  of  goose-fat  and  can^phor  is  very  bene- 
ficial. If  there  be  much  fever,  resort  to  the  usual  anti-febrile  treat- 
ment. If  inflammation  of  the  brain  should  ensue,  resort  to  active 
cathartics,  and  give  small  doses  of  macrotin  and  quinine.  The  "  Herbal 
Ointment "  will  be  found  a  superior  remedy,  see  page  4G9. 

ffiSOPHAGITIS. 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  oesophagus,  or  that  portion  of  the 
alimentary  canal  which  conveys  the  food  from  the  pharynx  to  the 
stomach.  Heat  and  pain,  increased  by  swallowing,  at  some  point  along 
the  tube,  are  the  earliest  symptoms.  Occasionally  there  is  pain  between 
the  shoulders,  and,  perhaps,  tenderness  on  pressure,  with  more  or  less 
difficulty  in  swallowing.  Hiccough,  an  eructation  of  glairy  muciis,  and 
vomiting,  are  sometimes  present.  There  is  also  more  or  less  constitu- 
tional disturbance.  Ulcers  and  abscesses  may  form.  It  may  become 
chronic,  and  stricture  of  the  canal  at  any  part  of  its  passage  may  result, 


236  THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

which  may  so  effectually  prevent   deglutition   as  to   cause   death  by 
starvation. 

Treatment. — In  the  acute  forna,  the  stomach  should  be  cleansed  by 
a  lobelia  emetic,  and  the  bowels  opened  by  a  purge.  The  surface 
should  be  sponged  with  hot  water,  and  sufficient  tincture  of  veratrum 
given  to  maintain  a  gentle  diaphoi'esis.  In  the  chronic  form  the  altera- 
tives are  to  be  administered,  and  the  bowels  occasionally  purged.  The 
patient  should  be  confined  mostly  to  a  vegetable  diet  of  fluid  character. 
Frequent  sips  from  a  decoction  of  golden  seal  and  slippery  elm  should 
be  taken.  Stricture  of  the  oesophagus  should  only  be  treated  by  a 
competent  phitsiciau,  as  the  means  employed  for  its  cure  might  do  more 
harm  in  improper  hands  than  any  possible  good. 

Inflammation  op  the  Stomach  {Gastritis). 

This  usually  commences  in  the  acute  form  with  violent  vomiting  and 
a  burning  pain  in  the  region  of  the  stomach.  Swallowing  becomes  diffi- 
cult, thirst  is  intense,  tongue  is  dry  and  smooth,  headache  often  violent, 
delirium  and  prostration  are  present.  If  the  stomach  only  is  inflamed, 
there  is  constipation ;  but  if  the  bowels  also  are  affected,  there  is 
diaiThoea.  The  attendant  fever  is  as  common,  and  the  disease  may 
assume  such  a  gravity  that  death  inevitably  ensues,  especially  in  per- 
foration of  the  stomach.  Chronic  gastritis  is  a  common  disorder.  It  is 
generally  of  a  mild  character,  unless  of  long  continuance,  when  it  niay 
occasion  considerable  organic  disorder.  Its  approach  is  gradual,  present- 
ing a  variety  of  symptoms,  but  may  be  known  from  dyspepsia  in  there 
being  more  pain  at  some  particular  point,  and  more  frequent  vomiting 
after  taking  food. 

Treatment. — Give  an  emetic,  and  cleanse  the  stomach  by  means  of 
large  draughts  of  warm  water.  Counter-irritation  should  be  resorted  to 
over  the  stomach.  The  vomiting  may  be  checked  by  opium,  and  the 
tincture  of  crawley  may  be  given  to  control  the  fever.  If  produced  by 
a  con'osive  poison,  the  necessary  antidotes  will,  of  course,  be  required. 
All  solid  foods  should  be  withheld,  and  the  drinks  should  bs  mucilagi- 
nous, as  marshmallow,  slippery  elm,  gum-water,  etc. 

The  trc;itment  of  chronic  gastritis  is  not  so  easily  stated.  It  depends 
greatly  upon  associated  conditions  and  complications.  Diet  is  an  import- 
ant element  in  the  treatment.  My  '*  Restorative  AssimUant"  internally, 
and  "Herbal  Ointment"  exteraally,  generally  cure  each  case;  but 
some  cases  are  of  such  a  serious  character  that  a  cure  can  only  be 
effected  by  special  symptomatic  treatment.  Those  desiring  to  consult 
me  are  referred  to  questions,  page  390. 

Cancer  op  the  Stomach. 
The  early  .symptoms  of  cancer  of  the  stomach  are  usually  similar  to 
chronic  gastritis.     The  appetite  is  impaired,  and  frequent  nausea  and 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  237 

vomiting  supervene.  The  pain  in  the  stomach  is  of  a  lancinating  char- 
acter. The  gastric  functions  are  impaired,  and  the  mucous  discharges 
become  sour  and  purulent,  finally  bloody,  and  if  subjected  to  micro- 
scopical examination,  cancer  cells  are  found.  The  complexion  has  a 
yellowish -white,  waxen  appearance,  which  distinguishes  cancer  from 
other  diseases  of  the  stomach. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  consists  chiefly  in  combating  the 
symptoms  as  they  occur.  Cundurango  should  be  given  a  fair  tiial  in  all 
cases.  If  the  disease  has  reached  a  certain  stage,  no  remedy  will  pro- 
duce a  radical  impression  ;  but  I  have  the  assurance  that  I  have  cured 
many  cases  of  well-defined  cancer  of  the  stomach,  in  more  or  less 
advanced  stages  of  the  disease,  by  the  employment  of  consistent  and 
energetic  chemical  treatment. 

Heart-Burn  {Oastral(jia). 

Two  forms  of  heart-bum  are  commonly  observed :  one,  attended  by 
acid  eructations,  causing  irritation  of  the  throat  and  fauces;  and 
in  the  other,  the  ejections  from  the  stomach  are  rancid  and  alkaline, 
and  connected  with  a  gnawing  pain  and  distention  of  the  stomach.  It 
pruicipally  occurs  during  digestion,  and  may  be  of  every  grade  of  sever- 
ity. It  is  caused  by  excess  of  acid,  or  an  accumulation  of  gas,  in  the 
stomach. 

Treatment. — This  depends  upon  the  cause.  If  acid,  administer 
pulverized  charcoal,  with  a  little  magnesia,  or,  what  is  just  as  good, 
compound  spirits  of  lavender.  If  alkaline,  give  lemon-juice  as  often  as 
required. 

Gastralgia,  or  Gastrodynia. 

This  is  a  neuralgic  affection  of  the  stomach,  and  is  often  a  symptom 
of  dyspepsia.  The  appetite  is  generally  impaired,  though  sometimes 
remains  good.  There  is  a  gnawing  pain  in  the  stomach,  and  a  strong 
disposition  to  vomit.  The  tongue  is  usually  foul,  the  skin  cool,  and 
pulse  quite  disturbed. 

Treatment. — If  owing  to  long-continued  use  of  indigestible  or  im- 
proper food,  abandon  it,  and  change  to  other  articles.  Take  quinine, 
and  a  little  cherry  laurel  water,  to  subdue  the  neuralgic  affection,  and 
tonics  to  restore  the  tonicity  of  the  stomach. 

Spasm  of  the  Stomach. 

This  consists  of  a  sense  of  paiu,  stricture,  or  contraction,  occurring 
in  paroxysms.  The  stomach  feels  as  if  rolled  into  a  ball,  or  drawn 
towards  the  back.  It  assumes  different  degrees  of  violence,  being  often 
exceedingly  painfid. 

Treatment. — It  is  instantly  relieved  by  a  dose  of  some  preparation 


238  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

of  wild  gnm,  in  combination  with  a  fourth  of  a  grain  of  gelsemin. 
External  application  of  the  "Herbal  Ointment"  acts  equally  as  specifi- 
cally. 

Water-Brash  {Pyrosis). 

This  also  occurs  generally  in  paroxysms.  The  pain  is  intense,  and  of 
a  burning  character.  An  eructation  of  a  thin,  insipid,  watery  liquid 
occurs,  and,  when  discharged,  affords  momentary  relief. 

Treatment. — Quinine  and  the  general  tonics  will  remove  this  diffi- 
culty. Certain  habits,  as  inebriety,  anxiety  of  mind,  etc.,  are  to  be 
overcome,  and  a  generous  diet  indulged  in. 

Dyspepsia,  or  Indigestion. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  common  affections  in  the  whole  catalogue  of 
diseases.  Scarcely  a  human  being  lives  that  has  not  or  will  not  be  a 
victim  to  this  harassing  disease.  In  simple  indigestion,  the  symptoms 
vary  much  in  nature  and  severity.  One  may  suffer  severely,  while 
another  has  merely  slight  depression  of  spirits.  Loss  of  appetite,  nausea, 
vomiting,  constipation  alternating  with  diarrhoea,  furred  tongue,  foul- 
ness of  breath,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  pains  in  various  parts,  dull 
headache,  hjiiochondriasis,  etc.,  are  present  in  all  cases.  The  patient's 
appetite  may  at  one  time  be  wholly  lost ;  at  other  times  it  is  morbid 
and  ravenoiis,  which,  if  indulged  in,  will  only  add  to  his  misery.  There 
is  seldom  any  healthy  feeling  of  hunger,  but,  in  place  pf  this,  the 
patient  has  a  most  miserable  sensation  of  hollowness  or  sinking  at  the 
region  of  the  stomach.  Nausea  and  vomiting  are  the  most  distressing 
symptoms  of  dyspepsia ;  the  former  may  occur  soon  after  the  food  is 
swallowed,  or  it  may  be  deferred  for  an  hour  or  two.  The  matter 
ejected  is  most  frequently  sour,  and  mixed  with  bile,  often  having  the 
flavor  of  rotten  eggs,  which  is  due  to  a  gas  kno\vn  as  sulphuretted 
hydrogen.  This  gas,  in  ascending,  often  brings  the  solid  food  into  the 
throat  and  mouth,  making  the  patient  almost  a  ruminant  animal.  Suf- 
fering is  experienced  when  the  stomach  is  full  or  empty,  though  it  differs 
in  various  cases.  Sometimes  not  much  uneasiness  is  felt  until  several 
hours  after  eating,  when  all  its  attendant  horrors  are  manifested.  This 
is  due  to  fermentation  of  the  food.  Water-brash,  gastralgia,  spasm  of 
the  stomach,  etc.,  are  constant  companions  of  the  dyspeptic,  and  his 
days  are  most  miserably  spent,  whQe  his  nights  are  not  much  better, 
because  his  sleep  is  not  refreshing;  the  body  is  not  reposed,  and  he  is 
the  frequent  victim  of  honnble  nightmares.  A  dyspejjtic  patient  suffers 
from  every  variety  of  indisposition,  and  it  is  easy  to  learn  from  his 
dejected  countenance  and  woe-begone  look  that  he  yearns  for  that  com- 
fortable human  existence  that  only  a  healthy  digestive  apparatus 
affords  to  man.      He  is  fretful  and  peevish,  dissatisfied  with  others  and 


THK    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  239 

with  himself ;  has  individually  no  comfort,  and  allows  but  little  to  those 
around  him  ;  everything  that  was  formerly  bright  and  cheerful  now 
bears  a  gloomy  aspect;  his  smiles  are  derisive,  his  opioions  cynical ;  and 
everything  that  is  bright,  cheerful,  and  lovable  has  gone  with  the 
enjoyment  of  good  health.  The  disease  is  in  fact  a  maladj'  that  em- 
braces in  its  symptoms  and  consequences  nearly  every  physical  and 
mental  torture  known  to  mankind. 

Treatment. — WTien  it  arises  from  inertia  of  the  stomach,  it  may  be  re- 
moved by  stomachics.  If  produced  by  bad  habits,  it  can  only  be  cor- 
rected by  strict  adherence  to  the  physiological  laws  controlling  the 
digestive  functions.  When  it  occurs  from  softening  of  the  mucous  mem- 
branes and  a  deficiency  of  the  gastric  secretion,  alnuin  is  a  good  reme- 
dy ;  and  chelonin  acts  well  in  chronic  inflammation  of  the  organ. 
When  dependent  upon  nervous  debihty,  herbal  phosphorus  and  cypre- 
pedin  act  weU.  Constipation  should  be  reheved  by  leptandrin  and  simi- 
lar cathartics.  Diet  and  hygiene  form  a  very  important  part  in  the  treat- 
ment, and  these  should  receive  very  careful  attention.  Fresh  air, 
baths,  friction,  out-door  exercise,  careful  avoidance  of  overloading  the 
stomach,  are  indispensable  adjuncts  to  all  treatment.  It  is  but  just  to 
myself,  and  eminently  due  to  my  readers,  to  acquaiat  them  with  my 
mode  of  treating  dysjjepsia,  and  which,  I  confidently  assert,  is  attended 
with  as  specific  results  as  can  be  expected  from  any  medicinal  agents.  It 
is  my  sincere  beUef  that  failure  is  impos.sible  if  the  remedies  are  taken 
faithfully,  for  a  reasonable  length  of  time.  I  advise  in  all  cases  and  in 
all  forms  of  the  disease,  my  "Restorative  AssimUant,"  "Renovating 
Pills,"  and  "  Herbal  Ointiuent."  The  Assimilant  is  taken  internally,  in 
prescribed  doses,  three  times  a  day ;  the  pUls  are  taken  as  occasion  re- 
quires, to  keep  bowels  regular,  and  the  Herbal  Ointment  is  rubbed  exter- 
nally, once  or  twice  a  day,  over  the  region  of  the  stomach  and  bowels. 
The  philosophy  of  this  treatment  is  obvious ;  the  Assimilant  restores  the 
tonicity  of  the  digestive  organs,  increases  secretion  of  gastric  juice,  pro- 
motes chymification,  stimulates  the  accessory  organs  of  digestion,  and, 
by  its  assimilative  properties,  increases  the  functional  action  of  the 
absorbents,  and  restores  the  chemical  process  of  digestion  to  its  healthy 
state.  The  pills  increase  the  peristaltic  motion  of  the  bowels,  augment 
biliary  discharges,  stimulate  the  mesenterio  glands,  while,  at  the  same 
time,  they  give  tonic  power  to  the  whole  alimentary  canal.  The  oint- 
ment, by  its  discutient  properties,  removes  aU  inflammation,  localizes 
healthy  blood  to  the  organs  and  tissues,  and  prevents  centralization  of 
morbific  agents. 

These  remedies  at  once  assert  their  value,  and  gain  complete  mastery 
over  the  disease  in  a  short  time  ;  and  should  any  of  my  dyspeptic  read- 
ers, though  faithless  in  medicinal  relief  from  repeated  failures,  be 
pleased  to  give  them  a  ti-ial,  the  author  is  confident  that  the  medicines 


240 


THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 


will  cure  them  and  restore  them  to  vigorous  health,  so  that  they  rnay 
once  more  enjoy  the  boon  of  healthy  digestive  organs.     (See  page  469.) 

ANATOMY   OF    THE    LIVER. 

The  liver  is  the  largest  glandular  organ  in  the  body ;  its  office  is  to 
secrete  bile.  It  is  oblong  and  ovaJ  in  shape,  and  occupies  the  position 
on  the  right  side,  under  the  lower  ribs.  It  weighs  from  four  to  five 
pounds  ;  it  measures  from  ten  to  twelve  inches  transversely,  and  from 
six  to  seven  antero-posteriorly  ;  its  greatest  thickness  is  from  four  to  five 
inches.  On  the  upper  surface  it  is  convex,  and  on  the  lower  concave. 
Its  color  is  of  a  reddish-brown,  with  occasional  spots  of  black. 

The  under  surface  of  the  liver  presents  a  deep  fissure,  called  umbdical 
or  longitudinal,  reaching  from  the  anterior'"  to  the  posterior"  notch, 

containing  the  r  e- 
mains  of  the  umbili- 
cal vein  of  foetal  life. 
Sometimes  this  fis- 
sure is  converted  into 
a  foramen,'  or  open- 
ing, the  right  and  left 
lobes  being  connect- 
ed. At  right  angles 
to  this  fissure  is  Mo- 
ther, called  the  trans- 
verse^'^ fissure,  con- 
tauiing  the  portal 
vein,  hepatic  artery, 
and  hepatic  duct, 
bound  together  by  the  capsule  of  Glisson^  a  membrane  of  cellular  tissue. 
The  ffall-bl-adiler^"  lies  in  a  deep  depression  upon  the  under  siu'face  of  the 
right  lobe  of  the  liver.  The  lobulus  guadratus'  is  that  portion  of  the  liver 
included  between  the  depression  occupied  by  the  gall-bladder  and  the 
longitudinal  and  transverse  fissures.  At  the  posterior  and  inferior  por- 
tion of  the  liver  is  a  triangular  lobe  called  the  lobulus  Spigelii^  The  elon- 
gated ridge  lomniug  from  the  lobulus  Spigelii  outwardly  is  the  lobulus 
caudatui'.''  These  lobules  are,  however,  all  contained  in  the  two  lobes  of 
the  liver.  The  tiyht  labe^  is  the  largest  and  thickest,  and  the  lefP  ter- 
minates in  a  thin  cutting  edge.  The  structure  of  the  liver  may  be  seen 
by  tearing  the  liver  of  any  animal.  This  will  show  a  granulated  an-ange- 
nient,  and  each  of  these  granules  is  usually  called  an  acinus.  These  aci- 
ni consist  of  a  terminal  branch  of  the  portal  vein  and  hepatic  artery,  to- 
gether with  the  incipiwit  radicles  of  the  hepatic  duct  and  hepatic  vein, 
and  in  the  capillary  network  thus  constituted  are  numerous  cells,  which 
Betirete  the  bile. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  241 

The  liver  is  liable  to  a  variety  of  disorders,  and,  when  affected,  exerts 
a  marked  influence  on  the  organs  and  tissues  of  the  body.  The  func- 
tions of  the  organ  are  so  important  that  impairment  arising  from  any  or- 
ganic cause  quickly  distm-bs  the  harmony  and  health  of  the  whole  econ- 
my.  Its  office  Ls  to  eliminate  the  superfluous  carbon  from  the  blood. 
This  carbon  enters  into  chemical  combination  with  other  substances, 
forming  the  compound  known  as  bUe,  and  which  is  poured  iuto  the  duo- 
denum, or  upper  bowel,  where  it  assists  greatly  in  the  process  of  diges- 
tion. 

DISEASES   OF   THE  LIVER. 

Hepatitis. 

Inflammation  may  he  confined  to  its  outside  covering,  or  involve  the 
entire  substance  of  the  liver.  It  usually  makes  its  appearance  with 
sympathetic  fever,  jiain,  a  sense  of  tension  on  the  right  side,  inability 
to  lie  on  the  left  side,  difficulty  of  breathing,  a  dry  cough,  vomiting, 
and  a  troublesome  cough.  As  the  morbid  action  increases,  high  fever, 
with  hot  skia,  thirst,  and  scanty  urine  is  observed.  The  pain  is  acute 
and  lanciaating.  and  is  apt  to  run  up  to  the  right  collar-bone,  and  to 
the  top  of  the  shoidder.  The  pain  is  increased  by  coughing,  breath 
tng,  and  lying  on  the  left  side.  A  soreness  is  felt  by  pressing  over  the 
liver,  and  usually,  when  enlarged,  is  readily  recognized  by  the  touch. 
The  puLse  is  full  and  hard,  bowels  costive,  stools  clay-colored,  and 
the  tongue  is  covered  with  a  dark-brown,  or  even  black  coat,  and  there 
is  a  bitter  taste  in  the  mouth. 

Treatment. — Evacuate  the  stomach  and  bowels,  and  apply  tiot 
packs,  rubefacients,  or  even  vesicants  iu  some  cases,  to  the  region  of  the 
liver.  The  purges  should  be  such  that  will  thoroughly  evacuate  the 
bowels  with  watery  discharges,  as  jalap,  elaterium,  etc.  Promote 
perspiration  by  a  spirit  vapor  bath,  or  by  American  hellebore,  or-  other 
diaphoretics.  When  the  urine  is  red  and  scanty,  an  infusion  of  marsh- 
mallow,  pumpkin-seeds,  or  trailing  arbutus  should  be  given.  Quimne, 
gelsemin,  and  irisin  may  be  necessary  in  some  cases. . 

CHRONIC  HEPATITIS. 

Chronic  inflammation  of  the  liver  usually  involves  the  entire  organ, 
and  may  be  the  result  of  the  acute  form,  although  it  exists  independ- 
ently of  it.  It  is  a  disease  veiy  common  in  the  South  and  West,  and 
Ls  evidently  owing  to  malarial  poison,  ui  connection  with  heat  and  at- 
mospheric vicissitudes.  It  is  a  very  insidious  disease,  and  the  whole 
organ  may  assume  a  pathological  condition  before  attracting  any  spe- 
cial attention.  The  most  common  symptoms  are  a  disordered  stomach, 
occasional  vomiting,  a  sense  of  fulness  and  weight  in  tlie  rijjbt  side,  ir 
11  Q 


242  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

regular  bowels,  pains  in  one  or  both  shoulders,  unhealthy  stools,  yel- 
lowness of  skin,  eyes,  and  urine,  a  short  dry  cough,  disturbed  appetite, 
febrile  exacerbations  towards  night,  and  general  emaciation.  The  pa- 
tient is  generally  despondent,  his  temper  is  imtable  and  peevish,  and 
he  is  frequently  the  prey  to  the  dread  of  some  impending  evil.  The 
exercise  of  his  mental  faculties  is  often  impossible  in  a  literary  or  argu- 
mentative direction,  and  the  loss  of  the  cherished  attribute  of  manhood 
is  most  frequently  added  to  his  misery.  If  the  patient  be  a  female, 
sexual  congress  becomes  to  her  a  revolting  union,  and  her  husband's 
approaches  create  in  her  only  a  feeling  of  disgust  and  scorn. 

Treatment. — The  diet  should  be  regulated,  outdoor  exercise  should 
be  taken,  baths  liberally  used,  and  chafing  liniments  applied  over  the 
liver  ;  keep  the  bowels  open  with  leiitandrin,  or  decoction  of  the  plant, 
and  give  one-tenth  of  a  grain  of  gelsemin  with  two  gi-ains  of  quintue, 
every  three  or  four  hours,  until  about  twenty  doses  have  been  taken. 
This  may  be  followed  by  dandelion  and  blackroot  in  small  doses  four  or 
five  times  a  day.  An  alterative  like  irisin  may  also  be  given.  I  also  most 
strongly  advise  my  "Restorative  Assimilant,"  "Herbal  Ointment," 
and  "Renovating  Pnis  ;"  to  be  used  about  the  same  as  ordered  in  dys- 
pepsia. The  pOls,  esjiecially,  exercise  specific  control  over  morMd  con- 
ditions of  the  liver,  and  frequently  cure  the  disease,  unaided  b;;^  other 
remedies.  ^ 

It  is  frequently  the  case  that  chronic  inflammation  of  the  liver  is  so 
complicated  that  it  will  not  respond  to  any  ordinary  treatment.  In  such 
cases  a  careful  analysis  of  the  symptoms  and  general  condition  of  the 
patient  must  be  made,  and  the  treatment  so  modified  and  varied  as  to 
suit  all  the  conditions  of  the  case.  In  these  cases  it  is  difficult  to  desig- 
nate the  required  treatment,  as  each  individual  case  is  characterized  by 
its  owm  pathological  jihenomena,  and  requires  essentially  particular 
treatment.  My  success  in  the  treatment  of  these  stubborn  cases  has  ex- 
ceeded even  my  cwn  anticipations  in  many  instances,  and  I  now  like  to 
combat  the  "bilious"  foe  with  my  herbal  weapons  —  and  success  usu- 
ally crowns  my  efforts.  Those  who  wish  to  consult  me  are  referred 
to  page  390. 

CIRRHOSIS. 

The  result  of  chronic  inflammation  of  the  areolar  tissue  of  the  entire 
organ  is  often  induration  or  cirrhosis  of  the  liver.  The  tissues  become 
so  firm,  and  ultimately  so  constricted,  as  to  diminish  the  caliber  of  the 
portal  vein,  hepatic  artery,  and  duct,  resulting  in  the  wasting  away  or 
atrophy  of  the  lobular  striicture,  and  the  hepatic  cells  become  studded 
with  fat.  This  condition  sadly  interferes  with  the  circulation  of  the 
blood  through  the  portal  vein,  producing  inflammation  of  gastric  and  in- 
testinal linings.     It  is  the  /tob-nailed  liver  of  some  writers.      The   usual 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  243 

symptoms  are  constipation,  a  dry  skin,  hig-li-colored  urine,  fickle  appe- 
tite, and  derangement  of  the  nervous  ■  system.  The  spleen  often  be- 
comes enlarged,  while  the  liver  diminishes  in  size,  the  pain  becomes  more 
intense,  and  frequently  the  kidneys  are  also  involved.  Digestion  is 
feeble,  chiUs,  hectic  fever,  and  night-sweats  are  often  present,  and  fre- 
quently a  dropsical  condition  of  the  lower  Mmbs  and  abdomen  is  ob- 
served. 

Treatment. — All  alcoholic  stimulants  should  be  avoided,  and  the 
action  of  the  Hver  aroused  by  jirickly  ash,  leptandrin,  dandelion,  emetics, 
etc.  The  tonics  should  be  given,  and  Indian  hemp  should  be  administered 
in  sufficient  quantities  to  maintain  a  gentle  influence  upon  the  bowels 
and  kidneys  The  alteratives,  if  indicated,  should  be  exhibited,  and 
continued  as  long  as  required. 

This  disease  is  certainly  an  unfavorable  one  for  treatment  in  its 
advanced  stages,  but  my  treatment  in  well-defined  cases  has  been 
attended  with  the  most  favorable  results,  and  I  hope  ere  long  that  the 
result  of  my  investigations  into  the  morbid  character  of  the  disease  in 
aU  its  phases,  that  I  have  made  for  many  years,  will  enable  me  to  still 
more  rob  the  disease  of  its  formidable  nature. 

Gall-Stones. 

These  concretions  are  generally  oval  or  pear-shaped,  and  formed 
in  the  gall-bladder  or  hepatic  ducts.  They  vary  in  size,  from  that  of  a 
small  pea  to  a  fowl's  egg,  and  ia  chemical  composition  present  choles- 
terine,  coloring  matter,  and  the  salts  of  lime,  magnesia,  etc.  They 
occur  oftener  in  females  than  in  males,  from  the  fact  that  their  inactive 
life  is  more  conducive  to  their  formation.  They  give  rise  to  a  dull, 
heavy  pain  in  the  region  of  the  liver,  and  more  or  less  febrile  excitement. 
In  their  passage  through  the  duct  they  cause  the  most  excruciating  pain, 
which  is  accordingly  intensified  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  stone. 
Impaction  of  the  cystic  duct,  vidth  complete  obstruction  and  taflamma- 
tion,  ulceration,  and  perforation  of  the  duct  and  bladder  may  occur, 
givmg  rise  to  great  difficulties. 

Treatment. — To  reduce  the  spasm,  Dover's  powder,  or  other  ano- 
dynes, should  be  given,  and  hot  packs  or  fomentations  should  be 
applied  externally.  A  vapor  bath  and  lobelia  emetic  often  afford  great 
relief.  Belladonna  plasters  should  be  applied  over  the  region  of  the 
liver,  as  they  dilate  the  cystic  duct,  and  alleviate  the  pains.  Thorough- 
wort  is  a  good  remedy,  and  should  be  freely  taken.  If  the  stones  can 
be  found  in  the  alvtne  discharges,  their  chemical  character  should  be 
definitely  ascertained,  and  the  proper  chemical  treatment  resorted  to  in 
order  to  prevent  their  re-formation.  Those  who  may  desire  my  services 
in  this  respect  can  forward  to  me  the  stones,  and  on  receipt  I  will  care- 
fully analyze  them,  and  suggest  the  proper  treatment. 


244  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

Jaundice  {Icterus). 

The  most  prominent  symptoms  are  yellowness  of  the  skin,  eyes,  and 
urine,  owing  to  the  deiJosit  of  the  coloring  matter  of  the  bile  in  the 
blood.  The  api^etite  is  impaired,  the  food  is  loathed,  an  uncomfortable 
feeling  of  a  load  at  the  pit  of  the  stomach  is  felt.  The  stomach  is  sour, 
sometimes  there  is  sickness  and  vomiting,  a  bitter  taste  in  the  mouth,  a 
dull  pain  at  the  right  side,  sleepiness,  and  an  uncomfortable  feeling  of 
lassitude  at  all  times  distresses  the  patient.  The  ui-ine  is  heavily  tinged 
w'ilh  bile,  and  the  stools  clay  colored.  It  is  usually  idiopathic,  but  may 
be  a  concomitant  of  other  diseases.  Torpidity  of  the  liver  is  the  chief 
cause,  yet  any  functional  disorder  of  the  organs  may  cause  it. 

Tkeatment. — If  caused  by  inactivity  of  the  liver,  the  organ  should 
be  aroused  by  a  lobelia  emetic  and  active  antibilious  purges.  I  can 
certainly  advise  no  better  cathartic  for  this  purpose  than  my  Renovating 
Pill.  The  liver  should  be  further  stimulated  to  action  by  the  applica- 
tion of  an  irritating  plaster  over  the  region  of  the  Uver.  Tonics,  like 
quinine,  poplar,  and  liriodeudron,  may  be  necessary  in  some  cases.  The 
diet  should  consist  of  fre.sh  vegetables,  and  as  much  out-door  exercise 
should  be  taken  as  the  patient  can  bear. 

The  liver  is  the  seat  of  many  other  diseases,  but  as  they  are  more  or  less 
rare,  of  difficult  detection,  and  treatment  difficult,  I  deemed  it  prudent  not 
to  enter  upon  any  consideration  of  them.  The  organ  may  hypertroj)hy  or 
atrophy,  its  blood-ve.ssels  may  become  diseased,  it  may  be  affected  bj'  syph- 
ilitic taint,  it  may  become  fatty,  it  may  degenerate  into  a  waxy  or  albumi- 
nous mass  ;  disease  may  change  it  into  a  pigment  or  nutmeg  liver  ;  it  may 
be  the  seat  of  hydatids  or  parasites,  tumors  or  cancer  may  assail  it.  and 
finally  it  may  be  the  seat  of  tuberculous  matter  of  a  miliary  character. 
The  symptoms  produced  by  these  morbid  conditions  are  so  obscure,  and 
many  of  them  the  common  property  of  all,  that  none  but  a  skilful 
physician  is  capable  of  recognizing  the  identity  of  the  affection ;  and  I 
advise  all  patients  who  are  suffering  from  any  liver  disease  that  presents 
phenomena,  not  recognizable  in  the  simj^ler  affections  of  the  organ,  to 
intrust  his  case  to  a  competent  physician. 

I  have  devoted  nearly  a  lifetime  to  the  study  of  liver  diseases,  and  I 
am  ready  to  maintain  that  my  success  in  their  treatment  is  greater  than 
by  any  other  system  of  medication.  I  am  daily  consulted  with  refer- 
ence to  some  chronic  disease  of  the  liver,  both  in  person  or  by  letter,  and 
patients  under  treatment  are  scattered  in  all  sections  of  the  coimtry. 
Constant  coramiinication  by  correspondence  enables  me  to  ti*eat  such 
cases  as  satisfactorily  as  by  personal  interview,  as  is  attested  by  the 
gratifying  success  achieved  iu  all  cases.     (See  page  390.) 


THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 


245 


ANATOMY  OF     THE   SPLEEN. 

The  org'an ' ' ',  occupying  the  right  of  the  following  cut,  is  the 
Bpleen.  It  is  a  soft  vascular  organ,  of  a  purplish  color.  It  is  not  a 
true  gland,  as  it  has  no  duct. 

The  shape  of  the  spleen  is  irregular  and  variable,  but  it  is  generally 
the  section  of  an  ovoid,  with  a  convex  suii'ace  resting  against  the  dia- 


Ppleeii  and  Pancreas. 

phragm,  opposite  the  ninth,  tenth,  and  eleventh  ribs,  and  a  convex  sur- 
face directed  towards  the  stomach. 

It  varies  in  size  more  than  any  other  organ  in  the  body.  It  is  gene- 
rally five  inches  long  and  three  wide,  and  weighs  from  five  to  seven 
ounces.  The  proper  substance  of  the  spleen  is  a  soft,  pulpy  mass,  of  a 
reddish -brown  color,  resembling  grumous  blood.  Its  office  in  the  econo- 
my is  not  well  understood,  but  is  evidently  concerned  in  the  blood- 
depurating  process.  It  is  numerously  supplied  with  lymphatics.  The 
long  and  flat  gland  lying  between  the  spleen  and  duodenum,  in  the  left 
of  the  cut,  is  the  Pancreas^  or  sweet-hread.  It  is  of  a  light-pink  color, 
and  is  about  seven  inches  long.  Its  right  extremity ",  or  head  is  much 
the  thickest  part,  and  is  often  called  the  lesser  pancreas.  Its  left 
extremity  gi-adually  diminishes  in.  breadth  until  it  touches  the  spleen 
''•'"'.  The  superior  edge  has  a  groove  for  the  passage  of  the  splenic 
artery.  Its  structure  is  conglomerate.  Its  excretory  duct  is  called 
the  duct  of  Wirsungtvs. 

Its -secretion  is  somewhat  similar  to  saliva,  hence  it  is  often  called  the 
abdominal  salivary  gland.  Its  secretion  contains  a  larger  amount  of 
solid  matter  than  the  saliva,  and  assists  in  the  process  of  digestion. 

Splenitis. 
The  functions  of  the  spleen  have  formerly  been  the  cause  of  miich 
controversy,  nor  are  they  better  understood  at  the  present  day  ;  but  the 
organ  is  evidently  concerned  somewhat  in  the  blood-making  process 


246  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

buc  that  it  performs  a  very  important  part  is  doubtful,  as  the  whole 
organ  has  been  removed  without  affecting  the  health  in  the  least. 
In  some  countries,  the  practice  of  removing  the  spleen  in  pigs,  for  the 
purpose  of  facilitating  the  fattening  practice,  has  been  resorted  to, 
which  fact  has  suggested  to  some  over-confident  analogists  the  propriety 
of  removing  the  spleen  in  the  human  subject  as  a  remedy  for  debility. 

Splenitis  prevails  most  in  malarious  districts,  and  is  a  frequent  result 
of  chills  and  fever.  A  feeling  of  weight,  tightness,  sometimes  pain  in 
the  left  side,  which  is  increased  by  pressure,  or  an  attempt  to  lie  on  the 
left  side,  are  the  earliest  symijtoms.  The  organ  enlarges— sometimes 
so  much  that  it  can  readUy  be  felt  by  the  hand.  It  is  known  by  the 
name  of  "ague-cake,"  and  causes  numbness  and  weakness  of  the  legs, 
difficulty  of  breathing,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  obstinate  constipation, 
vomiting  of  food,  piles,  dry  skin,  and  occasionally  dropsical  affections. 

Tkeatment. — This  does  not  differ  much  with  the  treatment  advised 
for  acute  and  chronic  inflammation  of  the  liver.  Quinine,  in  oombina- 
tion  mth  leptandrin  and  irisin,  is  indicated  in  all  cases.  Counter-irx'ica- 
tion  should  also  be  made  over  the  splenic  region,  and,  when  compUcated 
with  dropsy,  the  required  directions  should  be  administered.  My 
"Restorative  Assimilant,"  "  Herbal  Ointment,"  and  "  Renovating  Pills" 
cure  every  case,  if  taken  for  a  reasonable  length  of  time.       ^      ,-v 

The  spleen  may  also  be  affected  with  drojisy,  or  become  studded  with 
tuberculous  matter.  In  such  events  the  treatment  is  the  saind  as  for 
dropsy  and  tubercular  depositions  of  any  other  internal  organ. 

Diseases  op  the  Pancreas. 

The  pancreas  is  rarely  the  seat  of  disease.  The  symptoms  of  its 
morbid  conditions  are  usually  obscure.  It  may  be  affected  by  inflam- 
mation, passive  or  acute.  In  typhoid,  typhus,  and  puerperal  fevers,  it 
occasionally  becomes  involved  in  inflammatiorf!  The  symptoms  of  dis- 
ease of  this  gland  are  usually  pain  in  the  epigastrium,  enlargement  and 
tenderness,  a  sensation  of  heat  and  constriction,  salivation,  nausea  and 
vomiting,  diarrhoea,  loss  of  appetite,  despondency,  chills,  alternated 
with  flushes  of  heat,  and  debility,  with  great  emaciation.  The  vomiting 
in  some  instances  is  very  obstinate  ;  the  matters  ejected  are  thin,  ropy, 
and  of  a  sour  or  saltish  taste.     Jaundice  is  often  observed. 

TUE.VTMENT. — Control  the  disease  by  equalizing  the  circulation  with 
hot  i^acks,  veratrum,  aconite,  mild  purges,  etc.  In  the  chronic  form, 
administer  mandrake,  l>lue  flag,  and  poke-root,  as  these  remedies  are 
known  to  increase  the  functions  of  this  gland.  Lobelia  and  capsicum,  ia 
some  cases  of  chronic  congestion  and  inflammation,  act  with  decided 
benefit.  In  all  diseases  of  this  gland  it  would  be  well,  however,  to 
intrust  the  treatment  to  a  competent  herbal  physician. 


the  complete  herbalist.  247 

Diseases  op  the  Bowels. 

The  intestinal  tube  is  very  seldom  affected  throughout  its  whole 
extent,  but  inflammation  may  iavolve  any  portion  of  it  at  one  time.  If 
the  duodenum  is  affected  it  is  called  Duodenitis,  if  the  ctecum  or  bUnd 
gut  is  inflamed,  it  receives  the  name  of  Typhilitis,  if  it  involves  the 
small  intestine,  it  is  called  Enteritis.  These  diseases  are  very  rare, 
however,  and  their  consideration  as  separate  affections  is  of  not  much  im- 
portance, except  to  the  nosolog-ist.  The  treatment  is  upon  general  prin- 
ciples and  corresi^onds  withthat  given  in  all  inflammatory  affections  of 
the  intestinal  mucous  membrane.  Dysentery  is  a  typical  case  of  enteric 
inflammation,  hence  we  will  commence  with  the  consideration  of  it. 

Dysenteky  {Colitis). 

This  is  also  known  as  bloody  flux,  and  consists  of  an  inflammation  of 
the  membrane  of  the  colon  and  rectum,  and  characterized  by  small 
mucous  or  bloody  evacuations,  griping,  and  straining.  The  disease 
comes  on  with  loss  of  appetite,  costiveness,  lassitude,  shivering,  heat  of 
skin  and  quick  pulse.  These  are  followed  by  griping  pain  in  the  bowels 
and  a  constant  desire  to  go  to  stool.  The  passages  are  mostly  small  in 
quantity,  and  comj)osed  of  mucus  mixed  with  blood.  These  passages 
are  attended  with  severe  griping  and  straining,  technically  known  as 
tormina  and  tenesmus.  Nausea  and  vomiting  sometimes  attend  the 
early  stages.  When  the  natural  faeces  pass  off,  they  are  usually  formed 
in  round  compact  balls,  called  scybala.  Fever  is  commonly  present,  with 
a  feeble,  almost  thread-like  pulse.  The  discharges  have  but  little  odor 
at  first,  but  become  exceedingly  offensive  as  the  disease  advances.  The 
chronic  form  is  characterized  by  frequent  small  evacuations,  consisting 
mostly  of  mucus,  but  sometimes  mixed  with  pus,  bUe,  fteces  and  blood. 
The  symptoms  are  the  same,  but  less  intense  than  in  the  aciite  form. 
Emaciation,  debUity,  dropsy,  and  consumption  result,  if  not  arrested. 
When  the  liver  and  stomach  become  disordered  at  the  commencement, 
it  is  called  bilious  dysentery.  Various  forms  of  the  disease  are  known 
as  adynamic,  intermittent  and  remittent,  typhous,  rheumatic  and  epi- 
demic dysentery  ;  but  it  is  not  necessary  to  classify  the  disease  under 
these  heads. 

Treatment. — A  free  lobelia  emetic  may  be  given  at  the  outset,  and 
the  bowels  evacuated  by  a  purge  ;  castor-oil  with  laudanum  is  the  best 
for  this  purpose.  After  the  purge,  take  twenty  grains  of  quinine  and 
one  drachm  of  leptandrin,  divide  into  six  powders  and  take  one  every 
hour  until  all  are  taken.  The  tenesmus  should  be  relieved  by  injecting 
into  the  rectum  five  or  six  ounces  of  starch  water,  containing  about 
twenty  drops  of  laudanum,  as  often  as  is  necessaiy.  Ipecacuanha  is  a 
superior  remedy.  Gelsemin  may  be  given  afterwards,  and  if  required 
the  fever  should  be  coutroUed  by  veratram.     The  patient  should  lie 


248  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST, 

quietly  in  bed,  and  his  diet  should  consist  of  grapes,  baked  apples,  flour 
porridge,  bread,  rice,  coffee,  beef -tea  and  ripe  fruit.  The  astringents  are 
of  course  necessary,  and  for  this  purpose  tannic  and  gallic  acids,  kino, 
rhatany,  opium,  capsicum,  cranesbill,  etc. ,  can  be  given.  Tonics  should 
be  combined  when  the  patient  is  weak,  and  if  the  debility  is  very  great 
the  alcoholic  stimulants  should  be  administered.  I  can  with  safety 
recommend  my  ' '  Restorative  Assimilant "  as  a  sure  cure  for  both  acute 
and  chronic  dysentery,  as  well  as  for  all  bowel  complaints.  The  Herbal 
Ointment  should  be  rubbed  externally  on  the  whole  abdomen  to  relieve 
the  inflammation.  In  the  chronic  form,  the  astringents,  with  such  other 
remedies  as  may  be  indicated  by  the  symptoms,  are  all  that  is  necsssary. 

Dl.\RKnCEA. 

This  common  disorder  is  characterized  by  frequent  and  urgent  de- 
mands to  evacuate  the  bowels.  It  is  usually  preceded  by  a  sense 
of  indigestion,  fulness  of  stomach,  flatulency,  and  more  or  less  echo 
pains.  The  pain  generally  subsides  after  an  evacuation,  and  re- 
turns as  an  indication' of  another  discharge.  The  discharges  may  be 
thick,  consisting  of  ingesta,  or  they  may  be  serous,  or  of  a  rice-water 
appearance.  Sometimes  they  consist  of  disintegrated  mucous  mem- 
branes, blood,  and  bile.  There  is  usually  a  disagreeable  sinkin^^  sen- 
sation in  the  abdomen  along  with  the  discharge,  with  exhaustion,  a 
cool  skin,  and  a  feeble  irregular  pulse.  It  may  bo  attended  with  fiver, 
indicating  extensive  imtation  of  the  mucous  coat.  The  urine  is  usiially 
scanty.  When  the  discharges  are  composed  of  senim,  and  highly 
colored  with  either  yellow  or  green  bile,  it  is  called  blUous  diarrhoea ; 
when  composed  principally  of  mucus,  it  is  known  as  mucous  diarrhoea, 
and  when  of  a  thin,  watery  character,  the  name  of  serous  diarrhoea  is 
given  to  it.     The  disease  may  become  chronic. 

TiiEATMENT. — If  it  occurs  in  children,  a  little  paregonc,  or  essence  of 
peppermint  or  spearmint,  usually  cures  in  a  short  time.  Opium  in  com- 
bination with  ipecac,  as  in  the  Dover's  powder,  is  an  excellent  remedy. 
The  astringents  are  all  indicated.  Starch  injections,  as  advised  in  dysen- 
tery', should  also  be  resorted  to,  and  counter-iiiitation  of  the  abdomen 
is  also  serviceable.  In  the  chronic  form  the  tonics  should  be  combined 
with  the  astringents.  I  cannot  recommend  my  ' '  Restorative  Assimilant " 
(see  page  4G9)  too  strongly.  It  is  certainly  an  admirable  remedy  for 
this  complaint,  relieving  it  most  instantly. 

Chr(mic  diarrhoea  may  often  be  so  dependent  upon  a  vitiated  con- 
dition of  the  system  that  it  becomes  quite  difficult  to  cure.  In  such 
cases  the  most  careful  treatment  is  necessary  to  overcome  the  disease. 
During  the  war,  and  also  afterwards,  the  author  was  considted  for  thia 
nlftjctiori  by  those  who  contracted  it  in  the  army  in  thousands  of  cases; 
but  under  proper  treatment  all  recovered. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  249 

CONSTirATION. 
By  this  is  understood  a  collection  of  excrementitious  matters  in  some 
pai-t  of  the  intestinal  tube.  It  is  mai-ked  by  unfreqnency  of  stool,  and 
by  the  recun-ence  of  fulness  and  tension  ia  parts  of  the  abdomen.  It 
occurs  in  patients  of  a  lax  and  weak  habit  of  body,  or  it  may  arise 
from  rigidity  of  the  muscles.  It  may  also  be  due  to  imperfect  func- 
tional action  of  the  stomach,  liver,  pancreas,  etc.,  in  which  case  the  in- 
tellectual faculties  are  dull,  the  complexion  is  sallow,  the  skin  dry,  luine 
scanty,  acidity  of  the  stomach,  and  headache.  Sometimes  the  accumu- 
lation of  faical  matter  is  so  great  that  the  masses  can  be  felt  through 
the  abdominal  walls.  It  is  frequently  caused  by  an  atonic  condition  of 
the  muscular  structure  of  the  intestines,  and  in  very  many  cases  it  re- 
stdts  from  neglect  to  attend  to  the  calls  of  nature.  These  calls  should 
be  imperative,  and  whenever  the  desire  arises  they  should  not  be  disre- 
garded, but  obeyed  as  quickly  as  opportunity  allows.  I  once  knew  a 
sea-captain  who  only  evacuated  his  bowels  when  in  port,  and  who  re- 
marked to  me  that  when  he  "  battened  dowTi  the  hatches  of  his  vessel, 
he  also  battened  down  the  hatches  of  his  body,  and  no  matter  how  long 
the  voyages,  no  stools  are  made. "  The  consequences  were,  that  when- 
ever he  came  to  port  he  had  a  hard  time  to  be  relieved  of  his  fsecal  ac- 
ciimulations.  In  many  other  cases  no  movement  of  the  bowels  was 
observed  for  ten  or  twelve  weeks.  Constipation  is  attended  with  vari- 
ous sympathetic  afEections,  and  finally  deranges  the  blood,  impairs  the 
health,  tone,  and  vigor  of  the  whole  system.  It  is  frequently  the  cause 
of  pUes,  strangury,  dysmenorrhoea,  amenorrhoea,  leucorrhoea,  ajioplexy, 
epilepsy,  dyspepsia,  insanity,  etc. 

Treatjient. — The  cause  of  the  difficulty  should  be  carefully  studied, 
and  the  proper  treatment  resorted  to.  The  diet  should  be  composed  of 
laxative  articles  of  food,  as  fresh  fruits,  unbolted-llour  bread,  etc.  If 
dependent  upon  a  lax  state  of  the  muscular  fibres,  golden  seal,  in  com- 
bination with  mandrake  and  blackroot  are  the  ijroper  remedies,  and 
when  due  to  vitiated  secretions  of  the  stomach,  liver,  etc. ,  the  American 
Columbo  should  be  given.  In  atony  of  the  bowels,  nux  vomica  shoiild  be 
carefully  administered  with  the  cathartics.  Cathartics  and  enemas  are  of 
course  indicated  for  present  relief  in  aU  cases,  and  those  should  be  se- 
lected which  operate  sufficiently,  without  causing  irritation  of  the  mu- 
cous membranes.  Kneading  the  bowels  often  overcomes  habitual  consti- 
pation. There  exists  no  better  remedy  than  my  "  Renovating  Pills,"  they 
cure  every  case  of  habitual  constipation.  The  bowels  may  become  ob- 
structed from  other  causes.  Intussusception,  or  invagination  of  the 
bowels,  or  when  one  part  of  the  bowel  is  drawn  into  another  portion, 
produces  coini)lete  closure  of  the  canal.  The  bowels  also  become 
twisted.  Those  conditions  mav  be  known  by  the  vomiting  of  stercora- 
11* 


200  THE    t:OMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

ceous  or  faecal  matter,  and  when  this  is  observed,  instant  medical  aid 
should  be  called  for,  as  the  condition  is  one  of  great  danger,  and  re- 
quires intelligent  treatment. 

Intestinal.  Worms. 

Every  animal  seems  to  be  a  nest  for  other  animals,  and  man  is  no 
exception  to  the  rule.  There  are  five  varieties  of  intestinal  worms,  all 
more  or  less  familiar  to  every  one  of  my  readers. 

1.  Ascaris  lumhrkmdc^. — This  worm  resembles  the  common  earth- 
worm, and  is  supposed  to  belong  to  the  same  species.  It  varies  in  size 
from  four  to  eighteen  inches  in  length  ;  it  also  varies  in  color,  having  in 
some  instances  a  whitish  pink  hue,  and  in  others  a  dull,  dirty -yellow 
color.  It  feeds  on  the  chyme  found  in  the  intestines,  upon  absori^tion 
from  which  the  growth  of  the  hiiman  system  depends.  They  are  gene- 
rally found  in  the  smaller  intestines. 

2.  Ascaris  vermiculuris. — This  worm  is  sometimes  improperly  called 
the  thread-worm,  for  there  is  another  variety  more  like  a  thi-ead  than 
this.  It  is  commonly  called  the  maw-worm,  and  is  the  smallest  known. 
The  male  is  exceedingly  small,  but  the  female  is  about  half  an  inch 
long.  It  is  very  slender,  and  about  the  size  of  small  sewing-thread. 
From  the  fact  that  it  inhabits  the  rectum  chiefly,  it  is  often  called  the 
scat-worm.  This  is  the  animal  so  troublesome  and  annoying  to  children, 
but  is  occasionally  also  found  in  adults.  The  child  infested  with  thsm 
runs  about  during  the  day  apparently  well,  but  when  night  comes  it  com- 
plains of  itching  in  the  rectum,  which  is  sometimes  excessively  annoying. 

3.  Tricocephalus  dispar. — This  is  the  long  thread-worm,  from  one  to 
two  inches  in  length,  but  sometimes  reaches  a  length  of  four  inches.  It 
Is  like  a  small  thread,  except  at  the  posterior  extremity,  where  it  is 
enlarged.  It  is  not  so  often  found  as  the  others.  It  is  of  light  color. 
The  male  is  smaller  than  the  female,  and  differs  little  in  shape.  It  is 
common  to  aU  parts  of  the  intestinal  canal. 

4.  Ttiuia  solium  or  vulffaris. — This  is  the  common  tape-worm.  Of 
this  family  there  is  but  one  variety  in  the  United  States,  though  there 
is  another  peculiar  to  other  i)arts  of  the  world.  It  varies  greatly  in 
length  and  size.  The  ordinary  length  is  from  seven  to  fifteen  feet,  but 
it  sometimes  arrives  at  the  enormous  length  of  one  hundred  feet.  It  is 
of  a  Hat,  ribbon-hke  shape,  about  one-quarter  of  an  inch  in  breadth  in 
the  largest  places,  and  tapers  to  almost  a  mere  thread  at  the  caudal 
extremity.  Its  color  is  whitish  or  yellowish  ;  and  it  is  made  up  of  nu- 
merous segments  or  joints,  which  are  most  distinct  and  perfect  at  a  dis- 
tance from  the  head.  These  segments  resemble  a  gourd-seed,  and  are 
iour-oided.  The  head  is  smaller  than  most  of  the  body,  with  a  small 
point  in  the  centre  with  o])oi!ings.  It  is  supposed  that  this  animal  can 
exist  or  reproduce  itself  if  but  a  single  joint  exists,  but  this  is  doubtful 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


251 


unless  the  head  exists.  Wlien  the  head  is  evacuated  the  remainder  will 
decay  and  be  also  expelled.  This  animal  is  hermaphrodite,  and  im- 
pregnates itself.  It  inhabits  the  small  intestines.  Persons  affected 
with  this  worm  frequently  pass  joints,  but  it  often  remains  in  the  body 
for  a  long  time  without  its  presence  being  thus  revealed. 

5.  Taiiia  lata,  or  hothrioecphnlus  latus. — This  is  the  broad  taj^e- 
worm,  and  does  not  exist  in  this  country  unless  imported.  It  is  found 
in  Central  and  Western  Eui-ope.  It  is  much  broader,  and  the  joints  are 
shorter  than  in  the  common  long  tape-worm.     The  joints  are  more  per- 


Sections  of  the  Tape  \\  orni. 


feet,  well  developed,  and  thrown  oil'  in  connected  rows,  and  by  a  cavity 
in  the  centre,  and  not  in  the  border  of  the  joint.  It  varies  in  length 
from  one  to  twenty  feet. 

Almost  every  variety  of  symptoms  is  found  to  result  from  the  irrita- 
tion that  worms  produce  in  the  human  system.  The  symjotoms,  however, 
occur  mostly  in  children,  and  are  generally  produced  by  the  long,  round, 
or  common  worms.  The  abdomen  is  prominent,  full  or  bloated ;  the 
ai)petite  variable  and  cai^ricious  ;  sometimes  deficient  and  sometimes  vo- 
racious. The  breath  is  usually  offensive,  the  tongue  has  a  white-coated 
appearance,  and  often  the  upper  lip  will  be  much  swollen.  The  eye- 
lids also  swell  often,  sometimes  so  much  that  the  child  can  barely  see  ; 
and  occasionally  swollen  iDatches  will  present  themselves  iu  other  parts 
of  the  body.  Children  troubled  with  worms  are  apt  to  pass  restless 
nights,  and  frequently  start  in  their  sleep.  Paleness  around  the  mouth, 
extending  up  the  sides  of  the  nose,  is  another  common  symptom.  Itch- 
ing of  the  anus  is  the  most  common  and  only  particular  effect  produced 
by  the  small  worms.  St.  Vitus'  dance  and  epilepsy  often  result  from 
verminous  iiTitation,  but  the  latter  is  usually  harmless  when  jiroperly 
treated.  A  dry,  choking  cough  is  a  symptom  peculiar  of  worms.  Itch- 
ing of  the  nose  is  a  common  symptom,  and  the  child  is  almost  inces- 
santly rubbing  that  member. 


252  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

The  symptoms  of  tape-worm  are  somewhat  peculiar,  and  deserve  a 
brief  notice.  Tersons  of  all  ages  are  subject  to  them,  but  they  are  most 
common  to  middle  age.  The  distui-bance  they  occasion  is  that  of  great 
uneasiness  and  distress,  which  often,  sooner  or  later,  destroys  the  gene- 
ral health.  Uneasiness  in  the  head,  sometimes  pain,  slight  giddiness 
and  ringing  in  the  ears,  are  the  symptoms  most  complained  of.  The 
countenance  changes  frequently  from  a  flushed  to  a  pale  condition; 
twitching  of  the  muscles,  especially  those  at  the  mouth,  and  a  pinched, 
contracted  appearance  of  the  nostrils,  accompanied  with  itching,  are 
peculiar  symptoms  of  tape-worm.  The  appetite  is  variable,  the  eyelids 
swollen,  the  breath  offensive,  etc.,  and  other  symptoms  common  to 
other  worms  are  present  also  in  tape-wonn.  Nausea  occurs  at  times, 
A\ith  ejections  of  frothy  mucus.  The  patient  gTits  his  teeth  in  sleep ; 
and  the  abdomen  seems  fuU,  with  contraction  of  the  navel.  After  a 
night's  sleep  there  is  a  sensation  of  an  animal  moving  about  in  the 
bowels,  accompanied  by  darting  pains,  which  subside  after  eating.  The 
patient  becomes  weak  and  nervous,  and  finally,  worn  out  with  excite- 
ment, gets  hyi^ochondriacal  and  even  deranged.  Of  course,  the  most 
unequivocal  symptom  is  a  discharge  of  joints  of  the  worm. 

Treatment. —This  varies  with  the  symptoms  of  each  case.  If  con- 
vulsions exist,  the  first  step  should  be  to  subdue  these  by  brisk  frictiop 
and  warm  applications  along  the  spine  and  abdomen.  Anti-spasmodiAs 
In  these  cases  should  be  given ;  also  sweating  drinks.  If  these  symp- 
toms are  relieved,  the  compound  powder  of  senna  and  jalap  may  be 
given  with  pink  and  wormwood  in  sufficient  doses  to  produce  free 
evacuations  of  the  bowels.  This  is  to  be  repeated  for  two  or  three  days, 
and  is  usually  successful.  It  is  equally  reliable  in  the  treatment  of  the 
long  thread-worm.  The  powder  is  composed  of  three  drachms  each  of 
the  above  herbs  decocted  in  a  pint  of  water ;  dose,  a  tablespoonful.  It 
produces  sometimes  alarming  symptoms,  but  these,  however,  are  harm- 
less and  of  short  duration.  Pinkroot  and  wormwood  are  good  remedies, 
however,  given  in  any  form.  The  melia  azedarach,  or  the  Pride  of 
China,  given  in  decoction,  is  a  favorite  remedy ;  so  also  is  the  burr  of 
the  red  cedar,  the  efficacy  depending  upon  the  turpentine  it  contains. 
Santonine  in  doses  of  three  or  five  grains  is  efficacious,  and  very  service- 
able because  it  is  tasteless,  and  therefore  readily  administered.  Blue  ver- 
vain is  a  good  remedy,  and  for  this  reason  my  ' '  Restorative  Assimilant " 
is  so  efficient  for  the  expulsion  of  worms.  .Seat,  or  maw-worms,  are 
best  expelled  by  injections  of  moderately  strong  salt  and  water,  or  soap- 
suds.    Turpentine  in  emulsion  also  makes  an  efficient  injection. 

For  tape- worm  various  remedies  are  used.  Kousso,  pumpkin-seeds, 
and  tur))entine  have  each  a  good  reputation.  Male  Fern,  however,  ia 
the  most  specific  remedy  that  can  be  used.  It  is  certain  to  dislodge  the 
distressing  enemy. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  253 

My   "Male  Fern  Vermifuge"  is  withoiit  doubt  the  best  vermifuge 
ever  compounded  and  offered  to  the  public.     It  instantly  expels  the 
minor  worms,  and  the  tape-worm  is  quickly  dislodged  by  it.     It  is  com 
posed  of  such  articles  as  make  it  applicable  to  every  variety  of  worms, 
and  it  is  veritably  infallible  in  its  effect.     (See  page '469.) 

I  admonish  all  persons  to  avoid  eating  pork  that  is  not  well  cooked, 
for  it  is  an  estabUshed  and  indisputable  fact  that  tape-worm  is  caused 
by  eating  raw  pork,  provided  that  it  is  not  in  a  healthy  condition.  That 
which  is  commonly  kno^vn  as  "measly  pork"  contains  the  germs  of 
tape-worm,  and  should  not  be  eaten  unless  thoroughly  cooked.  Tape- 
worm is  most  prevalent  among  the  peasants  of  Central  Europe,  being 
they  subsist  largely  on  raw  pork. 

Peritonitis. 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  serous  membrane  lining  the^abdominal 
cavity,  and  investing  the  viscera,  and  may  be  either  acute  or  chronic. 
During  the  early  stages  of  the  disease  there  is  a  feeling  of  lassitude,  pain 
in  the  back  and  limbs,  chills  alternating  with  flushes  of  heat,  headache 
and  a  feeling  of  uneasiness  about  the  abdomen.  As  soon  as  the  febrile 
action  is  established,  the  pain  becomes  sharp  and  severe.  The  abdomen 
is  very  tender,  the  slightest  pressure  by  the  hand  causing  most  intense 
pain.  The  patient  lies  on  his  back,  with  his  knees  drawn  up  and  shoul- 
ders elevated,  finding  that  this  relaxes  the  abdominal  muscles,  and  pre- 
vents pressure  by  the  bedclothes.  Nausea,  vomiting,  thirst,  constipation 
and  suppression  of  urine,  are  frequent  symptoms.  The  face  is  pale  and 
contracted,  respiration  is  oppressed,  each  inspiration  aggravates  the 
pain ;  pulse  is  frequent  and  small,  tongue  moist,  and  the  patient  is 
generally  wakeful.  The  abdomen  becomes  tympanitic,  and  when  a  fatal 
termmation  is  approached  it  becomes  very  much  distended.  The  pulse 
also  becomes  feeble  and  quick,  and  the  countenance  assumes  a  ghastly 
appearance.  It  is  very  rapid  in  its  course,  death  sometimes  occurring 
within  twenty-four  hours.  Puerperal  peritonitis  is  only  another  variety 
of  this  disease,  and  attacks  women  in  child-bed.  It  may  arise  idiopathi- 
cally,  or  it  may  be  caused  by  vvovmds,  blows,  falls,  etc. 

Treatment. — The  stomach  and  bowels  should  be  evacuated  by  an 
emetic  and  purge.  If  associated  with  malarial  influence  quinine  should 
be  given.  The  fever  should  be  controlled  by  veratrum.  A  large  mustard 
plaster  or  turpentine  stupe  should  be  applied  to  the  abdomen.  Large 
doses  of  opium  to  allay  the  pain  are  also  indicated.  The  patient  should 
drink  freely  of  marsh-mallow  or  flaxseed  tea,  and  be  supported  by  tonics, 
beef-tea,  etc. 

Summer  Complaint  {Cholera  Infantum). 

This  is  a  complaint  which  usually  attacks  children  between  the  ages  of 
two  months  and  three  years  ;  it  occurs  in  the  warm  season,  and  is  chiefly 


254  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

coniined  to  cities.  It  is  very  fatal.  It  commences  with  a  profuse  diar- 
rhcea,  stools  thin  and  variously  colored.  The  stomach  becomes  irritable, 
and  rejects  everything.  Loss  of  flesh,  languor,  and  prostration  follow, 
and  stools  become  colorless  and  odorless,  skin  is  dry  and  harsh,  head  ;ind 
belly  hot,  thirst  is  great,  and  fever  at  night-fall.  Delirium  is  present  iu 
many  cases,  indicated  by  violent  tossing  of  the  head,  etc. 

Treatment. — The  child  should  be  removed  to  a  vicinity  abounding  in 
pure  air,  if  possible  ;  otherwise,  in  a  large  and  airy  room,  and  may  even 
be  taken  into  the  open  air  occasionally.  Its  food  should  consist  of  the 
farinaceous  articles  of  diet,  if  weaned ;  otherwise,  of  its  mother's  milk  ; 
mucilaginous  drinlvs  can  also  be  given.  If  the  vomiting  be  obstinate, 
give  camphor,  or  a  little  opium,  or  combined,  as  in  paregoric.  The 
astringents,  as  turmeric  and  cranesbill,  must  be  given  to  check  the  diar- 
rhoea. Rhubarb  is  a  good  remedy,  also  leptandrin,  prepared  chalk,  etc. 
Lime-water  is  grateful,  and  should  be  given.  Charcoal  is  the  proper 
remedy  when  the  stools  are  very  offensive. 

Cholera  Morbus. 

This  is  characterized  by  violent  purging  and  vomiting  of  bilious  matter, 
attended  with  griping,  sickness  and  a  constant  desire  to  go  to  stool.  The 
attack  is  usiially  abrupt,  but  it  is  sometimes  preceded  by  loss  of  api')jQ- 
tite,  nausea,  headache,  chilliness,  colicky  pains,  etc.  It  occurs  genej^- 
ally  at  night,  and  the  vomiting  and  purging  occur  in  quick  successioir. 
The  evacuations  are  usually  copious,  consisting  of  the  ingesta  first,  but 
afterwards  of  a  sour,  acrid,  serous  liquid,  causing  a  scalding  sensation  in 
the  throat ;  there  is  slight  tenderness  over  the  abdomen,  hiccough,  anxie- 
ty, restlessness  and  exhaustion.  The  pulse  is  quick,  small  and  feeble, 
the  skin  cool  and  moist,  or  bathed  in  clammy  perspiration.  It  is  quite 
a  serious  disease  and  runs  a  rapid  course — death  often  occurring  within 
twenty-four  hours. 

Treatment. — If  the  stomach  is  overloaded  with  indigestible  food  a  lo- 
belia emetic  should  be  given  in  connection  with  warm  ginger  tea.  Hot 
packs  or  mustard  plasters  should  be  placed  on  the  abdomen,  and  bottles 
of  hot  water  to  the  feet.  Lumps  of  ice  should  be  placed  in  the  mouth  to 
allay  the  patient's  thirst.  Oi)ium  is  a  very  good  remedy,  and  may  be 
given  by  mouth  or  by  injection.  A  tea  made  of  chamomile  flowers  or 
columbo  often  succeeds  weU.  Where  great  exhaustion  is  felt,  a  brandy 
toddy  should  be  given. 

Asiatic  Cholera. 

This  is  an  endemic  disease  of  India,  and  visits  other  lands  by  travel- 
ling in  what  is  called  the  cholera  cycle.  The  Hindoos  caU  it  jiurrhee 
morlii  (rapid  death)  ;  the  Mahometans,  cuncrum  vaiuU  (diaiThoea  and 
vonxitLug) ;    and  the  Arabs,    d  houwah  (hurricane).      It  is  evidently 


THE    COMrLETE    HERBALIST.  255 

caused  by  a  noxious  malaria  arising  from  human  or  animal  decomposi- 
tion. It  is  characterized  by  three  stages.  The  first  is  marked  by 
derangement  of  the  digestive  organs,  rumbling  in  the  bowels,  pain  in 
the  loins  or  knees,  twitching  of  the  calves  of  the  legs,  impaired  appetite, 
thirst,  and  especially  a  slight  diarrhoea.  These  .symptoms  continue  from 
a  few  hours  to  several  days.  The  pulse  is  frequently  very  slow,  the 
tongue  is  furred,  and  a  sense  of  great  debility  is  present  in  all  cases.  In 
the  second  stage  vomiting  occurs,  and  the  characteristic  rice-water  stools 
make  their  appearance.  These  stools  are  thin  and  watery,  and  have  a 
peculiar  spermatic  odor.  The  cramps  become  excessively  severe,  draw- 
ing the  muscles  into  knots.  The  tongue  is  pale  and  moist,  pulse  feeble, 
the  breathing  hurried,  with  distress  about  the  heart,  great  thirst,  and 
the  secretion  of  urine  nearly  stopped.  The  thin,  colorless  fluid  dis- 
charged by  vomiting  and  purging  is  the  watery  portion  of  the  blood,  and 
when  so  much  has  been  discharged  that  the  blood  cannot  circulate 
freely,  the  patient  smks  into  the  third,  or  stage  of  colld'pse.  This  is 
characterized  by  great  prostration,  the  pulse  being  hardly  perceptible, 
skin  cold  and  clammy,  face  blue  or  purple,  eyes  much  sunken,  hands 
dark-colored,  looking  like  a  washerwoman's,  breathing  short  and 
laborious,  a  sense  of  great  heat  in  the  stomach,  intense  thirst,  inanition, 
and  death.     Recoveries  from  the  third  stage  seldom  occur. 

Treatment.— In  the  first  place  the  diarrhoea  should  receive  prompt 
attention.  The  patient  should  lie  in  bed,  and  from  five  to  ten  drops  of 
laudanum  every  two  or  three  hours  should  be  given.  The  astringents 
should  also  be  administered.  Morphine  can  also  be  given.  The  diet 
should  be  carefully  regvdated,  and  every  symptom  promptly  met  with 
an  appropriate  remedj'.  In  the  second  stage  the  treatment  should  be 
energetic,  quinine  should  be  given,  and  the  sinking  powers  sustained  with 
tonics,  beef -tea,  etc.  ApiU  containing  opium,  camphor,  and  cayenne  pep- 
per should  also  be  administered.  Brandy  may  also  be  given  freely.  I 
also  advise  my  "  Restorative  Assimilant "  as  a  good  remedy  ;  it  should 
be  taken  in  full  doses.  Its  success  has  been  very  gratifying  wherever  it 
has  been  used. 

In  the  thud  stage  the  above  remedies  are  to  be  pursued  with  increased 
energy,  especially  the  stimulants,  and  every  effort  should  be  made  to 
promote  the  warmth  of  the  body. 

Prolapsus  op  the  Rectum. 

This  is  more  common  to  children  than  to  adults,  and  is  frequently 
a  sequel  to  protracted  diarrhoea,  the  falling  caused  by  the  debOity  occa- 
sioned thereby.  It  is  also  associated  with  disease  of  the  digestive 
organs,  and  is  peculiar  to  persons  of  feeble  habit,  or  of  a  scrofulous  or 
tuberculous  diathesis.  It  causes  pain  in  the  lumbar  region,  constipation, 
Bometimes  diarrhoea,  cardiac  irritation,  and  general  prostration. 


256  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

Treatment. — The  bowels  should  be  replaced  as  soon  as  possible  tc 
prevent  inflammation,  that  would  naturally  follow.  The  bowel  can  be 
replaced  with  the  finger,  well  greased  with  sweet  oil,  gently  pressing  the 
tumor  within  the  fundament.  Cold  water  should  be  applied  to  the 
parts,  and  a  decoction  of  white  oak  bark  should  be  injected.  A  T- 
bandage  should  be  applied  to  restrain  the  bowel  from  protrusion. 

An.\l  Fistula. 

This  consists  of  an  abscess  occurring  in  some  portion  of  the  cellular 
tissue  around  tlie  anus.  As  suppuration  occurs  the  pus  can  be  detected 
by  the  touch,  and  which  sooner  or  later  makes  its  way  to  the  surface, 
and  is  discharged.  While  the  abscess  is  forming  the  patient  is  consider- 
ably feverish,  and  feels  a  tenderness  about  the  anal  region.  At  first  the 
discharge  is  a  bloody  pus,  which  in  time  becomes  watery  and  acrid,  or 
sanious.  The  channel  through  which  it  passes  is  called  the  fistula.  If 
it  communicates  with  the  rectum,  the  fistula  is  said  to  be  complete  ;  but 
if  it  does  not  perforate  the  mucous  membrane,  it  is  said  to  be  incomplete 
or  blind.  Fistula  is  more  liable  to  occur  in  scrofulous  and  consumptive 
persons  than  in  others,  though  it  may  be  caused  by  piles,  habitual  con- 
stipation, or  the  presence  of  foreign  bodies  in  the  rectum. 

Treatment. — During  the  active  inflammatory  state  the  bowels 
should  be  evacuated  by  a  mild  purge,  and  if  the  pain  is  severe,  an  opiiite 
may  be  given.  Flaxseed  poultices,  or  hot  fomentations,  should  be  applied, 
and  as  soon  as  fluctuation  is  quite  e\adent,  an  incision  should  be  made, 
and  the  pus  evacuated.  A  weak  decoction  of  white  oak  bark  may  then 
be  injected,  and  the  parts  dravni  together  by  adhesive  straps.  The 
poultices  should  be  continued  as  long  as  there  is  any  hope  to  prevent  a 
fistulous  opening.  If  the  fi.stula  does  occur,  it  gives  great  annoyance, 
and  is  quite  difficult  to  cure.  The  surgical  treatment  consists  in  intro- 
ducing a  ligature  through  the  fistulous  opening  into  the  bowels  and  out 
the  anus,  securing  it  to  a  small  piece  of  cork,  and  twisting  it  once 
or  twice  a  day  until  it  cuts  through,  or  by  dividing  the  septum  by 
a  knife,  and  healing  it  from  the  bottom.  Others  cauterize  the  fistula,  and 
attempt  to  stimulate  adhesive  granulations  in  that  way.  I  grant  that 
success  attends  aU  these  surgical  operations,  but  T  do  not  see  the  pro- 
priety of  subjecting  the  patient  to  all  the  attendant  pain  and  confine- 
ment to  bed  when  a  cure  can  be  as  radically  effected  in  as  short  a  space 
of  time  by  purely  medicinal  treatment.  I  have  cured  very  many  cases, 
and  in  no  instance  have  resorted  to  cantei'ization  or  the  knife.  Cou- 
Bultation,  either  in  person  or  by  letter,  is  free  with  reference  to  such 
cases.     (See  page  390). 

Pii,ES  {Hemoi-rhoids). 
By  these  arc  understood  the  existence  of  small  excrescences  within 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  257 

the  rectum  and  around  the  anus,  which  are  characterized  by  a  varicose 
condition  of  the  hemorrhoidal  veins.  They  may  be  situated  either 
internally  or  externally,  and  when  blood  is  discharged  they  are  called 
bleeding  piles,  if  not,  blind  piles.  The  tumors  vary  in  size  from  a  pea 
to  a  hen's  egg.  Thej*  are  more  common  in  women  than  men,  owing  to 
the  sedentary  habits  of  the  former.  They  are  caused  by  olisbructiou  of 
the  portal  circulation,  drastic  purgatives,  habitual  constipation,  preg- 
nancy, uterine  misplacement,  etc. 

Treatment. — If  costiveness  exists,  give  some  mild  purgative,  as 
Benna  and  leptandrin,  or  the  "  Renovating  Pill,"  and  keep  bowels  gently 
open,  so  as  to  secure  one  passage  a  day.  Thoroughwort,  in  decoction, 
is  also  very  useful.  A  compound  decoction,  or  an  ointment  made  of 
witch-hazel,  white  oak  bark,  and  sweet-apple  tree,  applied  to  the 
tumors,  very  often  cures  them.  In  congestion  of  the  liver,  or  derange- 
ment of  the  portal  circulation,  resort  to  the  treatment  advised  in  chronic 
hepatitis.  If  there  is  much  inflammation,  apply  a  slippery  elm,  stramo- 
nium, or  poke-leaf  poultice.  Daily  injections  of  cold  water  are  also 
very  useful.  The  diet  should  be  regulated,  and  fatigue  should  be 
avoided.  As  a  remedy  for  either  internal  or  external  piles,  I  can  recom- 
mend nothing  better  than  my  "Herbal  Ointment."  If  thoroughly 
applied  to  the  tumors  about  twice  a  day,  it  gives  instant  relief,  and 
cures  them  in  a  short  time. 

DISEASES   OF   THE  ABSORBENT   SYSTEM. 

These  are  diseases  affecting  the  lymphatic  glands.  The  lymphatic 
system  is  that  particular  system  of  organs  inservient  to  the  formation 
and  circulation  of  lymph,  and  consists  of  glands  and  vessels.  When  any 
of  these  glands  become  inflamed,  the  affection  is  lymjihangeitis,  angeio- 
leiicitis,  or  lympJiadenitis. 

Scrofula. 

This  is  commonly  known  as  "  King's  Evil,"  and  derives  its  name  from 
the  Latin  scrofa,  a  sow,  because  it  was  supposed  that  it  also  affects 
swine.  It  is  most  apt  to  occur  in  persons  of  sanguine  temperament, 
with  thick  upper  lip.  When  fully  developed,  it  gives  rise  to  a  deposit 
of  tuberculous  matter.  It  is  characterized  by  a  morbid  state  of  the 
system,  manifested  by  glandular  swellings,  chiefly  in  the  neck,  suppu- 
rating slowly,  and  healing  with  difficulty.  At  first  there  appear  small, 
hard,  movable  kernels  about  the  neck,  just  under  the  skin.  These  are 
the  affected  lymphatic  glands.  No  redness  or  soreness  is  perceptible  at 
first,  but  when  in  course  of  time  they  reach  the  size  from  a  filbert  to  a 
hen's  egg,  or  even  larger,  they  come  to  a  head  and  break,  discharging  a 
watery  fluid,  or  a  mixture  like  whey  and  curd.  No  great  pain  is  seldom 
if  ever  felt.     WTien  the  ulcers  heal,  they  are  apt  to  leave  a  puckered 


258  THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

condition  of  the  skin,  and  ugly  scars.  There  is  scarcely  any  tissne  or 
organ  in  the  body  that  scrofula  does  not  assail,  and  it  forms  the  basis, 
in  many  cases  of  disease,  of  all  their  virulence  and  stubbornness. 
Strumous  habits  are  very  common,  being  mostly  hereditary  ;  biit  they 
may  also  be  contracted  by  bad  habits,  or  be  the  sequel  to  low  vitality  or 
prostrating  diseases.  The  taint  is  apt  to  become  universal  if  in  marriage 
the  health  of  either  party  is  not  considered  of  equal  importance  with 
affection,  etc.,  etc.  It  impairs  the  functions  of  all  the  organs;  it 
renders  the  mental  faculties  more  or  less  imbecile ;  it  gives  to  the 
I>atient  a  heavy,  sullen,  and  forbidding  appearance,  and  is  destructive 
of  all  beauty  of  form  or  sprightliness  of  character.  It  is  so  serious  a 
disease  that  no  one  affected  with  the  taint,  however  slight  it  may  be, 
should  defer  such  rational  treatment  as  will  cure  him  of  one  of  the 
greatest  enemies  of  mankind. 

Treatment. — How  lamentable  it  is  that  we  have  no  Kings  now  a 
days,  whose  "sacred  toiach"  will  cure  the  prevalent  scrofula.  In  olden 
times  persons  believed  that  if  the  scrofulous  patient  could  get  into  the 
presence  of  the  King,  and  be  touched  by  his  royal  hand,  his  disease 
would  vanish  in  nothingness.  Hence  the  name  of  "King's  Evil." 
This  folly  reached  its  height  in  the  reign  of  Charles  II.  and  after  the 
Restoration  ;  the  number  who  flocked  to  the  royal  palaces  to  receive  the 
"touch"  is  said  to  have  been  immense— no  less  than  ninety-two  Ihou- 
sand  in  twelve  years.  If  Kings  are  no  longer  divine,  and  whose  sacred 
touch  no  longer  cures,  we  are  not  left  hopeless,  for  the  products  made 
by  a  divine  hand  as  manifested  in  the  herbal  world  afford  us  abun- 
dant agents  of  cure,  if  we  but  have  the  wisdom  not  to  ignore  them,  and 
the  inteUigence  to  use  them  properly. 

Rational  treatment  should  be  preventive  and  curative.  The  pre- 
ventive treatment  consists  in  regulating  the  diet  and  to  supply  aU  the 
chemical  material  lacking  in  the  histogenic  character  of  the  tissues. 
The  habits  should  be  conformed  to  well-established  hygienic  laws,  and 
the  digestive  and  assimilative  organs  should  especially  be  elevated  in 
tonicity  and  healthfulness.  Exercise  and  bathing  are  very  important, 
and  must  not  be  neglected.  ^Vhen  it  manifests  itself  by  its  characteris- 
tic features,  tumors,  ulcers,  etc.,  the  herbal  alteratives  alone  will  effect 
the  cure.  The  best  of  these  are  rock- rose,  stillingia,  corydalis  for- 
mosa,  yellow-dock,  fig-wort,  sarsapariUa,  etc.  If  the  system  is  debili- 
tated the  tonics  should  also  be  given  to  give  tone  to  the  various  organs 
of  the  body.  The  ulcers  should  be  treated  as  all  chronic  indolent 
ulcers— the  best  application  to  them  being  my  "  Herbal  Ointment."  My 
"Blood  Purifier"  (see  page  469)  is  composed  of  the  choicest  alteratives 
known,  and  acts  specifically  in  the  cure  of  this  disease,  and  ever  since  it 
has  been  given  to  the  pul)lic,  its  success  was  asserted  in  every  case  in 
which  it  received  a  comj)eteut  trial. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  259 

Certain  cases  of  scrofula,  in  which  nearly  all  the  tissues  and  organs  are 
involved,  and  where  the  vitality  of  the  system  is  at  a  low  poiat,  energetic 
special  treatment  is  necessary.  In  such  cases  the  author  can  be  con- 
sulted, according  to  directions  given  on  page  390. 

Tabes  Mesenterica. 

This  consists  of  an  engorgement  and  tubercular  degeneration  of  the 
mesenteric  glands,  followed  by  emaciation  and  general  disorder  of  the 
nutritive  functions.  It  occurs  particularly  in  chUdren  of  a  scrofulous 
diathesis,  and  in  those  who  are  weaned  too  soon,  or  fed  on  indigestible 
substances.  The  disease  is  often  owing  to  irritation  in  iuflammation 
of  the  lining  membrane  of  the  intestines,  giving  occasion  to  enlarg- 
ment  of  the  glands  of  the  mesentery,  or  duplicature  of  the  peritoneum. 
Diarrhoea,  emaciation,  loss  of  appetite,  or  sometimes  immoderate  appe- 
tite, hardness  and  swelling  of  the  abdomen,  and  toward  the  end  hectic 
fever,  are  the  chief  symptoms  of  this  disease.  Recovery  is  seldom  from 
this  disease,  if  it  has  attained  such  a  stage  in  which  the  glands  have 
become  extensively  disorganized. 

Treatment. — Dige.stible  f ood,  fresh  air,  etc.  must  be  provided  for 
the  i^ationt,  and  the  bowels  should  be  kept  soluble.  The  treatment 
advised  in  scrofula  should  be  resorted  to  in  this  disease.  The  patient's 
strength  is  especially  to  be  well  supported  by  good  food,  tonics  and  sti- 
mulants. This  disease  is  commonly  known  as  ' '  opneme "  in  certain 
localities,  which  literally  means  taldnrj  of  or  wasting  away,  and  per- 
sons can  yet  be  found  who  ascribe  the  miserable  condition  of  the  child 
to  the  power  of  witchcraft,  and  the  celebrated  ' '  witch  doctors "  do 
vet  find  employment  and  supply  their  amulets  or  engage  in  heathenish 
incantations.  I  advise  every  mother  when  the  first  symptoms  of  this 
disease  are  recognized  to  at  once  engage  skilful  medical  aid,  and  her  child 
may  oftentimes  be  saved. 

ANATOMY  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS. 
Larynx. 

The  larynx  is  a  canal  formed  of  cartilages,  whose  various movementa 
regulate  the  voice.  It  is  situated  in  the  median  hue  in  the  upper  and 
anterior  part  of  the  neck.  It  can  readily  be  felt  from  the  exterior,  and 
is  commonly  called  ' '  Adam's  Apple. ' '  It  forms  the  commencement  of 
the  wind-pipe,  and  in  shape  is  cylindrical  below  and  prismatic  above. 
It  is  larger  in  males  than  in  females,  which  accounts  in  a  measure  for 
the  different  quality  of  the  voice  between  the  sexes. 

It  is  composed  of  five  cartilages ;  viz.,  thjToid,  cricoid,  two  arytenoid, 
and  epiglottis.  The  thyroid  is  the  largest ;  it  occupies  the  upper  anterior 
portion  of  the  larynx.  The  cricoid  is  next  in  size,  and  situated  at  the 
base  of  the  larynx.      Its  form  is  that  of  a  laterally-compressed  thick 


260  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

ring.  The  arytenoid  cnrtilnges  are  two  in  number,  pyramidal  in  shape, 
and  situated  at  the  upper  and  back  portion  of  the  larynx.  The  eiyiglottis 
is  a  thin,  oval,  cartilaginous  plate,  behiad  the  root  of  the  tongue,  and 
attached  to  the  angle  of  the  larynx  ;  it  resembles  a  leai  ia  shape,  and 
is  perforated  with  numerous  foramina  or  holes.  During  deglutition  it 
is  pressed  over  the  rima  glottidis^  thus  preventing  either  solids  or  liquids 
from  entering  the  respiratory  tract. 

Within  the  larynx  are  two  ligaments  on  either  side.  The  inferior  liga- 
ments are  usually  called  the  total  cJiords,  though  they  are  more  properly 
ligaments.  The  space  between  them  is  called  the  rima  glottidis,  and  the 
space  between  the  superior  ligaments  is  the  glottis.  The  larynx  is  lined 
with  mucous  membrane,  inflammation  of  which  constitutes  laryngitis. 

Trachea. 

The  trachea  '  (see  figure)  is  a  cylindrical  tube,  four  or  five  inches  long, 
reaching  from  the  larynx  to  the  point  of  division  into  the  bronchial  tubes. 
It  is  formed  of  from  sixteen  to  twenty  cartilaginous  rings,  united  by 
elastic  ligamentous  tissue.  It  is  lined  vidth  mucous  membrane  contin- 
uous with  that  of  the  larjTix,  which  is  extremely  vascular,  and  covered 
with  numerous  follicles. 

The  hroncld " '  or  bronchial  tubes  are  essentially  of  the  same  stKuc- 
ture  and  arrangement  as  the  trachea  ;  the  right  bronchus  is  shorter  and 
of  larger  diameter  than  the  left.  The  bronchial  tubes  ramify  into 
numerous  sub-divisions,  which  finally  terminate  in  the  lobules  of  the 
lungs. 

In  front  of  the  first  two  lings  of  the  trachea  and  upon  the  sides  of 
the  larjTix  is  the  thyroid  gland.  It  is  sometimes  much  enlarged,  consti- 
tuting goitre. 

The  Lungs. 

The  lungs  are  the  organs  of  respiration  properly  ;  they  are  two  in  num- 
ber, and  situated  in  the  chest,  placed  side  by  side,  being  separated  from 
the  abdomen  by  the  diaphragm. 

The  size  varies  with  the  capacity  and  condition  of  the  chest,  age,  in- 
spiration, expiration,  and  disease.  They  are  conical  in  shape,  are  longer 
posteriorly  than  anteriorly,  and  have  concave  bases.  The  color  of  the  lungs 
is  of  a  pinkish  gray,  mottled  with  black ;  these  black  spots  are  more  nu- 
merous in  adult  life  than  in  infancy.  The  vight  lung  is  shorter  but  larger 
than  the  left,  whose  transverse  diameter  is  somewhat  diminished  by  the 
position  of  the  heart.     It  has  three  lobes,  the  left  having  but  two. 

The  structure  of  the  lungs  is  spongy,  and  its  compression  between 
the  fingers  produces  a  crackling  sound  called  crepitntion.  It  consists 
of  air-vesicles"",  held  together  by  cellular  tissue,  called  parenchyma., 
through  which  blood-vessels  and  air-vessels  are  ramified.      A  certain 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


261 


number  of  air-cells  communicate  with  each  other,  and  with  a  single 
branch  of  the  bronchial  tube  ;  these  are  separated  from  neighboring  cella 
by  partitions  of  parenchyma,  and  thus  are  formed  the  lobules  in  which 
the  aeration  of  the  blood  is  performed. 


The  Lungs. 

Pleura. 
The  pleura  is  a  serous  membrane  investing  each  lung,  and  then  reflected 
upon  the  walls  of  the  chest.     That  portion  in  contact  with  the  chest  ia 
called  the  pleura  costalis  ;  that  covering  the  lungs,  the  pleura  j)uImoiialis. 

DISEASES    OF    THE    RESPIRATORY  AND   CIRCULATORY   SYS- 

TEMS. 

CORYZA. 

This  is  the  "  running  at  the  nose  "  or  "  cold  in  the  head,"  so  frequently 
contracted.  It  consists  of  acute  inflammation  of  the  Schneiderian  or 
mucous  membrane  of  the  nose,  and  the  sinuses  connecting  with  it.  It 
causes  considerable  annoyance,  and  often  creates  some  constitutional  dia- 


262  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

turbance.  It  is  caused  by  the  partial  application  of  cold,  as  to  the  back 
of  the  head  or  neck,  to  the  feet,  etc. ,  and  the  effect  is  especially  apt  to 
be  produced  after  perspiration  from  heat  or  exertion.  When  it  reigns 
epidemically  it  is  called  influenza. 

TiiEATiMENT. — It  will  Usually  subside  without  any  treatment,  but  the 
subsidence  can  be  greatly  hastened  by  hot  baths,  a  draught  of  ginger 
tea  upon  retiring,  and  the  inhalation  of  some  hot  aromatic  vapors,  such 
as  of  balm,  water -pepper,  etc. 

OZCENA. 

This  consists  of  chronic  inflammation  of  the  nostrils,  with  an  uneasy 
feeling,  heat,  and  stiffness  of  the  nose,  swelling  of  the  mucous  mem- 
brane, and  an  offensive  discharge.  The  nostrils  are  sometimes  closed, 
owing  to  the  thickness  of  the  membrane.  The  discharge  is  often  quite 
purulent,  of  a  j'ellowish  or  greenish  color,  or  sanious,  and  tinged  with 
blood.  It  is  very  frequently  associated  with  ulceration,  and  caries  or  ne- 
crosis of  the  bone.  The  breath  is  usually  extremely  offensive,  and  the 
sense  of  smell  is  occasionally  lost.  It  is  frequently  the  result  of  scrofu- 
lous, scorbutic,  or  syphilitic  taint,  and  is  a  serious  and  disgusting  disease. 

Treatment. — The  constitutional  symptoms  should  receive  special  at- 
tention, and  if  owing  to  or  connected  with  scrofulous  or  syphilitic  taint 
the  general  treatment  for  those  diseases  should  be  given.  The  storri^ch 
and  bowels  should  receive  careful  attention,  the  digestion  being  in-^g- 
orated  by  alnuin,  vibumin,  etc.  A  salt  water  bath  should  be  taken 
every  morning  to  stiinulate  the  emimctories.  The  vapors  of  tar,  naph- 
tha, astringent  and  narcotic  herbs  are  very  beneficial ;  an  inhaling  of 
mecca  oil  through  an  atomizer  is  successful  and  necessary  in  obstinate 
cases.  Tonics,  as  quinine,  etc.,  are  necessary  in  some  cases.  Those 
persons  who  may  wish  the  treatment  to  be  directed  by  a  competent 
physician,  and  who  desire  prompt  relief  and  cure,  may  consult  me,  as  I 
have  given  special  attention  to  this  disease,  and  have  cured  the  most 
obstinate  cases. 

Catarrh. 

We  now  come  to  a  disease  that  is  a  bane  to  the  existence  of  many  a 
person.  The  catarrhal  patient  is  never  happy,  for  he  knows  that  he  is 
inseparably  connected  with  a  disease  that  is  excessively  annoying  to 
himself  and  no  less  disagreeable  to  those  with  whom  he  comes  in  con- 
tact. It  consists  of  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  lining  the 
nose  and  sinuses  or  cavities  connecting  with  it.  It  is  a  very  common 
affection,  arising  from  repeated  colds,  damp  a])artments,  wet  feet,  in- 
sufBcient  clothing,  hot  roon\s,  a  sudden  check  of  perspiration,  and  a 
rheumatic  or  scrofulous  disposition  predisposes  to  an  attack.  The 
symptoms  are  weariness,  pains  in  the  back  and  limbs,  frontal  headache, 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  263 

increased  discharge  from  the  nose,  hoarseness,  sore  throat,  impaired 
vision,  fever,  constant  hawking-,  cough,  and,  if  the  disease  continues, 
partial  or  complete  deafness.  By  the  constant  dropping  of  the  secre- 
tions into  the  throat,  the  catarrhal  intlammation  is  made  to  extend  to  the 
mucous  membrane  of  the  throat  and  larynx,  causing  gastritis,  tonsillitis, 
laryngitis,  pharyngitis,  and  bronchitis.  Consumption  is  not  an  unfre- 
quent  sequel  to  catarrh,  and  it  may  so  undermine  the  vitality  of  the 
system  that  the  most  energetic  and  rational  treatment  wLU  only  re- 
establish it.  A  case  that  illustrates  the  ravages  of  catarrh  in  its  ordi- 
nary severe  forms  is  given  in  the  following  letter :  — 

Washington,  D.  C,  April  3,  1871. 
Dr.  O.  Phelps  Brown. 

Respected  Sir  : — My  catarrh,  which  had  almost  destroyed 
my  power  of  speech,  had  nearly  lost  me  the  senses  of  smell  and  taste, 
and  was  rapidly  extending  to  the  lungs,  by  dropping  down,  has  dis- 
appeared. I  owe  this  great  blessing  to  your  course  of  treatment.  I 
applied  to  you  by  advice  of  acquaintances,  with  many  doubts ;  but  a 
"drowning  man  catches  at  a  straw,"  and  I  wrote  you  a  full  description 
of  my  sufferings.  I  cannot  be  too  grateful  to  Providence  for  having 
directed  me  to  do  this.  Use  my  name  in  any  way  you  please  for  the 
benefit  of  others  afflicted  as  I  was,  etc. 

S.  Brown  Mills. 

This  patient  describes  the  effect  of  nasal  catarrh,  as  developed  ia 
himself,  but  partially.  He  has  omitted  to  say  that  his  breath  was  so 
offensive  that  people  could  not  sit  in  the  room  with  him;  that  the 
matter  was  discharged  so  copiously  that  it  descended  into  the  stomach, 
causing  vomiting,  reducing  him  in  strength  and  flesh  to  a  comparative 
skeleton  ;  that  he  had  inflammation  and  elongation  of  the  soft  palate 
(uvula) ;  had  lost  his  appetite,  and  was  troubled  with  hectic  fever. 

He  was  subject  to  the  usual  despondency  and  hopelessness  of  patients 
suffering  from  long-standing  catarrh,  and  it  required  every  effort  to 
arouse  his  drooping  spirits  to  anything  like  natural  vivacity.  In  fact, 
the  symptomatic  hopelessness  and  great  depression  of  the  spirits  in 
catarrhal  patients  is  often  a  greater  barrier  to  speedy  cure  than  the 
pathological  condition  of  the  disease  itself. 

Treatment. — It  is  only  in  the  chronic  form  that  catarrh  presents  diffi- 
culties requiring  the  most  patient  and  skillful  treatment. 

It  is  not  merely  a  local  disease,  but  dependent  upon  a  vitiated  con- 
dition of  the  blood  ;  hence,  merely  local  treatment  will  prove  ineffec- 
tual :  therefore  the  only  successful  method  of  treating  this  disease,  is  in 
combining  proper  local  treatment  with  appropriate  constitutional  medi- 
cation, 

For  years  this  complaint  baffled  the  skill  of  physicians  universally, 
and  I  myself,  came  to  the  conclusion,  that  to  really  eradicate  the  disease 


264 


THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 


from  the  system,  a  combination  of  remedies  were  required  :  a  remedy  to 
cleanse  the  blood  ;  a  remedy  for  local  application  ;  a  remedy  to  circulate 
the  bloood,  thus  arousing  the  system  to  action  and  a  medicine  to  stimu- 
late the  liver,  to  aid  the  system  in  throwing  off  the  disease.  The  follow- 
ing treatment  meets  all  these  requirements  and  has  proved  effectual  in 
curing  many  thousands  of  individuals — many  of  whom  represented 
cases  of  long  standing  in  the  most  advanced  stages  of  this  really 
dangerous  complaint  : 

Accident  first  brought  to  my  notice  Dr.  Lane's  Catarrh  Cure,  and  I 
tested  it  with  perfect  success  in  many  instances,  in  conjunction  with  my 
Blood  Purifier,  Herbal  Ointment,  and  Renovating  Pills. 

The  following  treatment  is  what  I  advise  in  cases  of  catarrh  :  A 
course  of  the  Blood  Purifier,  consisting  of  six  bottles,  taken  inter- 
nally to^cleanse  the  blood.  The  Herbal  Ointment  well  rubbed  in  at 
least  once  a  day  across  the  small  of  the  back,  sparingly  over  the  stomach 
and  bowels,  and  about  the  forehead  and  between  the  eyes  to  arouse 
action,  assist  digestion,  soothe  the  nervous  system,  and  remove  irri- 
tation. The  Renovating  Pills  taken  only  often  enough  to  keep  the  bowels 
soluble  and  regulated  to  one  passage  per  day.  They  arouse  the  liver  to 
action  and  thus  aid  in  throwing  off  disease.  .  \ 

Dr.  Lane's  Catarrh  Cure  may  be  snuffed  up  the  nostrils  from  the  paljn 
of  the  hand  ;  or,  a  small  syringe  may  be  used  ;  or  the  Nasal  Douche, 

which  is  preferable  to  any  other 
contrivance  for  the  purpose  (see 
illustration)  of  conveying  the  ca- 
tarrh cure  gently  but  thoroughly 
to  the  afflicted  membranes.  The 
price  of  the  "  Nasal  Douche  "  is 
seventy-five  cents  and  ten  cents 
extra  for  postage.  The  catarrh 
cure  should  be  diluted  with  warm^ 
soft  water,  in  preference  to 
cold,  as  the  latter  has  a  tenden- 
cy to  produce  irritation,  or  spas- 
modic action.  Those  prefering 
the  douche  will  find  it  of  very 
great  convenience  and  efficiency, 
as  all  parts  of  the  inflamed 
surface  can  be  reached  by  its 
aid. 

Catarrh  can  be  mastered  by 
the  above  treatment,  and  I  know 
of  no  other  that  will  thoroughly 


Dr.  O.  Phelps  Brown's 
Kasal  Duuuhc  .'\i>pumtu8. 


THE     COMPLETE   HERBALIST.  265 

and  permanently  cure  it.  Rational  treatment  will  succeed  in  this,  as  in 
other  diseases,  and  those  suffering  from  its  presence  should  act  promptly 
in  arresting  its  progress. 

We  consider  the  following  medicine  sufficient  to  cure  the  generality 
of  cases  :  a  course  of  Blood  Purifier  consisting  of  six  bottles,  the  price 
of  which  is  five  dollars  ;  two  bottles  of  Dr.  Lane's  Catarrh  Cure  of 
double  strength,  one  dollar  and  fifty  cents  each,  three  dollars  ;  one  large 
pot  of  Herbal  Ointment,  fifty  cents,  and  a  small  box  of  Renovating 
Pills,  twenty-five  cents  :  total,  eight  dollars  and  seventy-five  cents. 

Those  desiring  to  send  for  my  course  of  treatment  for  catarrh,  may 
send  the  money  by  post  office  order,  or  registered  letter  at  my  risk,  and 
I  will  promptly  forward  the  medicine  on  the  receipt  of  the  same  by  ex- 
press with  full  directions  for  use.  Sufferers  should  not  fail  to  possess 
the  Nasal  Apparatus,  illustrated  above,  as  by  its  use  the  nasal  cavities 
can  be  thoroughly  cleaned  and  medicated. 

I  have  spoken  thus  confidently  regarding  the  above  treatment,  know- 
ing how  successful  ii  has  proved  in  thousands  of  cases  of  catarrh. 

I  am  willing  to  give  my  advice,  or  opinion  when  desired  to  do  so,  in 
any  case,  free  of  charge,  either  at  my  office  or  by  letter.  Address  Dr. 
O.  Phelps  Brown,  21  Grand  St.,  Jersey  City,  N.  J. 

Laryngitis. 

This  consists  of  an  inflammation  of  the  parts  composing  the  larynx, 
especially  the  mucous  membranes,  and  may  be  either  acute  or  chronic. 
When  it  is  known  that  in  the  larynx  are  situated  the  vocal  organs, 
and  that  the  aperture  for  the  air  to  reach  the  lungs  is  situated  at  the 
apex,  it  can  readily  be  conceived  why  inflammation  impairs  the  voice 
or  impedes  the  respiration.  In  the  acute  form  there  is  hoarseness,  a 
pain  about  the  larynx  or  "Adam's  apple,"  cough,  and  difficulty  of 
swallowing.  If  the  inflammation  is  violent  the  patient's  life  is  in  im- 
minent danger  from  strangrdation,  caused  by  closure  of  the  rima 
ghtticUs.  The  voice  is  often  completely  lost.  In  bad  cases  the  patient 
starts  up  suddenly  in  bed  begging  for  air ;  his  lips  assume  a  livid  or 
purplish  color,  the  surface  becomes  cold,  the  pulse  frequent  and  feeble, 
the  countenance  ghastly,  perspiration  clammy,  and  finally  death  occurs 
from  insufficient  aeration  of  the  blood.  The  chronic  form  is  more  com- 
mon than  the  acute,  and  is  generally  associated  with  induration  or 
ulceration  of  the  mucous  membrane.  It  causes  great  debility,  emaci- 
ation, night-sweats,  loss  of  appetite,  vomiting  and  diarrhoea,  and  the 
patient  often  dies  in  a  state  of  hectic  exhaustion. 

Trk.\tment. — Control  the  circulation  with  veratrum,  administer  an 

emetic  and  purge,   and    apply  hot  packs  to  the  throat.      Hot  water 

should  be  used  frequently  as  a  gargle.     The  inhalation  of  hot  vapors, 

aa  that  of  belladonna,  lobelia,  stramonium,    mullein,    sweet  fern,  etc., 

12 


266  THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

gives  great  relief.  Some  practitioners  use  ice-bags  in  place  of  hot  packa 
to  the  throat.  They  seem  to  answer  the  same  purpose.  In  case  of 
impending  strangulation,  no  objection  should  be  made  to  laryngotomy, 
if  in  the  opinion  of  the  physician  or  surgeon  it  is  deemed  necessary. 
In  the  chronic  form  the  disease  demands  the  same  treatment,  though 
modified  to  suit  the  conditions  of  the  case.  A  gargle  of  golden  seal, 
and  a  syrup  of  Ceanothus  Americanus,  or  frost-wort,  taken  internally, 
are  very  beneficial.  Mecca  oil  is  also  used  with  great  advantage. 
Tonics  and  stimulants  become  necessary  if  the  strength  is  failing.  I 
can  offer  to  the  patient  an  almost  sure  cure  in  my  "  Acacian  Balsam," 
which  is  to  be  taken  internally,  and  my  "Herbal  Ointment,"  applied 
externally. 

If  complicated,  or  owing  to  syphilitic  contamination,  special  treatment 
(see  page  390)  is  advised. 

Bronchitis. 

Inflammation  of  the  bronchial  mucous  membrane  is  of  common 
occurrence.  Its  severity  is  proportionate  to  the  size  of  the  tube  in- 
volved. The  disease  may  exist  independently,  but  is  often  associated 
with  limg  diseases.  It  may  exist  either  in  the  acute  or  chronic  form. 
Iq  the  former  variety,  affecting  the  large  and  middle-sized  tubes, 
coryza,  sore  throat,  hoarseness,  and  slight  chills  are  the  first  symptoms ; 
lassitude  and  pain  in  the  limbs  are  also  present,  and  as  the  disease  pro- 
gresses there  is  a  sensation  of  heat,  soreness,  and  rawness  of  the 
bronchial  surface,  oppressed  breathing,  and  a  sijasmodic  cough  and  pain. 
The  cough  in  the  early  stage  is  followed  by  a  clear,  frothy  expectoration, 
with  a  saline  taste,  which  changes  to  yellowish  or  greeuish  sputa,  or  it 
may  be  streaked  with  blood.  If  the  small  tubes  are  involved,  the  pulse 
is  extremely  frequent,  great  difl&culty  of  breathing,  blue  appearance  of 
the  countenance,  coldness  of  surface,  and  a  tendency  to  asphyxia  is 
noted.  As  soon  as  the  disease  becomes  chronic  the  febrile  symptoms 
disappear,  but  the  pulse  remains  frequent,  and  the  cough  and  dyspnoea 
are  persistent,  though  to  some  extent  relieved  by  free  expectoration. 
The  sleep  is  irregular,  and  night-sweats  frequent,  occasioning  great 
debility.  The  cough  becomes  croupy,  and  diarrhoea  often  attests  ap- 
proaching dissolution. 

Treatment. — A  hot  bath,  hot  packs,  and  veratrum  will  often  termi- 
nate the  career  of  the  acute  form  at  the  outset.  In  the  more  screre  forma 
an  emetic  should  be  given,  and  the  hot  packs  or  chafing  liniments  to 
the  chest  and  throat  frequently  renewed.  Blood-root  and  other  expec- 
torants should  be  given,  and  quinine  should  be  administered  if  the  dis- 
ease is  associated  with  malarial  influence.  The  tonics  may  become  neces- 
sary to  sustain  the  strength.  The  vapors  of  mecca  oil,  goose-grease, 
and  bitter  herbs  are  beneficial.     In  the  chronic  form  the  treatment 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  267 

varies  with  the  cause.  If  owing-  to  syphilitic  taint  the  treatment  for 
that  disease  should  be  given,  and  if  rheumatic  in  origin,  colchicum,  in 
connection  with  tonics,  is  the  treatment  indicated.  The  inhalation  of 
the  various  vapors  before  alluded  to  should  also  be  instituted,  and  the 
strength  of  the  patient  carefully  husbanded  by  tonics,  beef-tea,  wine 
whey,  etc.  A  remedy  that  combines  both  tonic  and  expectorant  quali- 
ties is  found  in  my  "  Acacian  Balsam,"  which  generally  cures  the  worst 
cases  very  quickly.  The  "  Herbal  Ointment "  should  at  the  same  time 
be  thoroughly  rubbed  upon  the  chest,  throat,  and  back.  Consultations, 
either  in  person  or  by  letter,  will  receive  carefxd  and  prompt  attention. 

Croup. 

Croup  is  an  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  larynx  and 
trachea,  or  windpipe.  It  is  one  of  the  scourges  of  childhood.  False 
membranous  croup  is  owiag  to  an  oozing  of  a  peculiar  fluid,  which 
thickens  into  apparent  membranes,  and  adheres  to  the  surface  of  the 
windpipe.  In  membranous  croup,  there  is  much  greater  danger  than  in 
the  simpler  form. 

The  symptoms  are,  difficult  breathing,  hoarseness,  loud  and  shrill 
cough,  with  fever.  When  the  symptoms  are  violent  at  first,  the  disease 
will  be  in  all  probability  not  fatal,  as  the  membranous  croup  comes  on 
insidiously,  and  is  scarcely  ever  ushered  in  by  high  inflammation. 

Treatment.— An  early  and  effective  emetic  is  indicated  in  all  cases. 
Some  mechanical  emetic,  as  ipecacuanha,  alum,  etc. ,  should  be  preferred. 
Flaxseed  poultices,  my  "Herbal  Ointment,"  and  irritating  liniments 
Bhould  be  applied  to  the  neck.  The  Dover's  powder  should  be  given  to 
promote  perspiration  and  rest.  Inhalation  of  vaijor  from  hot  water  and 
mullein  leaves  is  of  great  service.  The  bowels  should  be  kept  regular. 
In  membranous  croup,  if  the  membrane  cannot  be  dislodged  by  emetics, 
and  suffocation  is  imminent,  tracheotomy  becomes  necessary.  Croup 
may  often  be  prevented  by  tying  a  bag  containing  powdered  rosin, 
which  is  electro-negative,  around  the  throat  at  night. 

Pneumonia. 

This  is  commonly  called  lung  fever.  It  is  characterized  by  inflamma- 
tion of  the  parenchyma  or  texture  of  the  lungs.  The  patient  is  gener- 
ally found  lying  on  his  back,  complains  of  pain  in  his  side,  has  more  or 
less  difficulty  of  breathing,  a  cough  at  first  dry,  but  soon  accompanied 
by  bloody  phlegm.  As  the  disease  becomes  severe,  the  phlegm  becomes 
very  tenacious,  so  that  it  will  adhere  to  the  spit-cup  if  turned  upside 
down.  Three  characteristic  stages  are  observed  in  this  disease,  viz., 
congestum.^  he-patization^  and  softening.  In  the  iirst  stage  the  lungs  be- 
come engorged  with  blood  or  congested,  and  if  the  lungs  are  percussed  a 
dull  sound  is  elicited,  and  if  the  ears  are  applied  to  the  chest  a  nxinute 


268  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

crackling  sound  is  heard,  similar  to  thab  produced  by  rubbing  fine  hair 
between  the  fingers  and  thumb.  It  is  only  heard  during  inspiration,  and 
is  caused  by  the  air  breaking  up  the  mucous  adhesions.  The  urine  ia 
scanty  and  high  colored.  In  the  second  stage  the  lungs  become  solid, 
or  hepatized,  resembling  the  liver.  Some  writers  call  it  red  softening. 
The  dulness  becomes  more  distinct  upon  percussion,  and  a  whistling 
sound  is  heard  if  the  ear  is  placed  to  the  chest.  The  cough  is  more  or 
less  dry,  but  the  fever  is  aggravated.  There  is  great  prostration,  rest- 
lessness, complete  loss  of  appetite,  constipation,  a  loaded  brown  tongue, 
and  the  respiration  is  hurried  and  imperfect.  In  the  third  stage  the 
lung  softens  and  becomes  filled  mth  matter,  and  portions  of  the  lung 
are  apt  to  give  way.  The  cavities  may  be  detected  by  increased  reso- 
nance at  some  parts  by  percussion,  and  the  cavernous  breathing  by  aus- 
cultation. There  is  also  a  metallic  tinkling  heard,  and  the  sputum  be- 
comes more  liquid,  looking  like  prune-juice,  and  the  general  condition 
of  the  patient  worse  in  every  respect.  If  the  disease  advances  into  this 
stage,  recovery  is  not  very  probable. 

Pneumonia  may  be  double  or  single  ;  the  right  lung  sufPers,  however, 
more  frequently  than  the  left.  If  pleurisy  is  associated  with  it,  it  is 
called  j)leuro-p7heumonia.  When  characterized  by  great  debility  .and 
prostration,  and  is  of  a  low  type,  it  is  called  typhaid  pneumonia.  'Jhe 
pneumonia  of  children  is  called  lobular^  as  it  is  generally  confinec^  to 
one  or  two  lobes  of  the  lung. 

Treatment. — Bleeding  formerly  was  done  in  each  case,  and  is  again 
receiving  attention  by  some  physicians,  but  I  deem  it  injudicious,  as  a 
general  thing,  though  it  may  be  of  benefit  in  some  plethoric  cases.  The 
treatment  should  be  commenced  with  a  mUd  cathartic,  and  the  fever 
should  be  controlled  with  veratrum.  The  expectorants  should  be  ad- 
ministered, and  in  cases  of  great  prostration,  beef-tea  and  alcoholic 
stimulants  must  be  given.  The  chest  should  be  blistered,  and  a  cloth 
smeared  with  lard  should  be  placed  on  the  raw  surface.  Sleep  should 
be  promoted  Vjy  lujiulin  or  the  opiates,  and  if  great  difficulty  of  breath- 
ing exists,  turjientine  should  be  poured  on  hot  water,  and  the  patient 
allowed  to  breathe  the  vapor.  Fresh  air,  quietude,  and  rest,  with 
frequent  sponging  of  the  body  with  tepid  water,  should  not  be  neglected. 

Asthma. 

This  is  characterized  by  diflicult  breathing,  occurring  in  paroxysms, 
accompanied  by  a  wheezing  sovind,  a  great  desire  for  fresh  air,  and  un- 
attended by  fever  or  organic  disease  of  the  lungs  or  heart.  It  is  evi- 
dently caused  by  an  irritable  condition  of  the  ccrebro-spinal  system  or 
medulla-oblongata,  which  deranges  the  nervous  influence  through  the 
cervical  and  pneumogastric  nerves.  It  is  also  called  Phthmc.  The  attack 
generally  comes  on  suddenly,  but  in  some  cases  for  a  few  days  befoi-e 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  269 

the  onset  there  is  loss  of  appetite,  flattilence,  belching  of  wind,  langTior, 
chilliness,  and  drowsiness.  The  attack  generally  occurs  at  night,  when 
the  nervous  system  is  at  its  lowest  ebb.  At  iirst  a  sense  of  tightness, 
with  a  feeling  of  constriction  about  the  chest,  is  felt,  which  inten- 
sifies into  a  fearful  struggle  for  breath.  The  patient  assumes  various 
postures  to  facilitate  in  emptying  and  filling  the  lungs,  and  the  feeling 
that  he  must  have  fresh  air,  induces  him  to  rush  to  the  window  and  put 
his  head  far  out  to  catch  the  stirring  breeze.  The  hands  and  feet  are 
cold,  the  expression  haggard  and  anxious,  the  body  wet  with  perspira- 
tion, and  the  pulse  irregular.  The  paroxysms  usually  last  for  some  hours, 
when  breathing  becomes  more  easy.  If  the  symptoms  subside  without 
expectoration  it  is  called  dry  asthma^  but  when  any  phlegm  is  raised  it 
is  known  as  Jmmoi'al  asthma.  The  paroxysms  may  recur  every  night, 
remitting  gradually  in  severity,  before  a  final  subsidence  takes  place. 
The  veiy  troublesome  complaint,  which  seems  to  combine  the  peculiari- 
ties of  asthma  and  coryza,  occurring  in  some  persons  during  hay -mak- 
ing, or  even  later,  is  called  hay  adhma.  This  complaint  is  often  a  dis- 
tressing one. 

Treatment. — During  the  paroxysm  the  inhalation  of  vapor  of  hot 
water,  or  that  arising  from  a  decoction  of  anti-spasmodic  herbs,  such  as 
conium,  belladonna,  etc. ,  lessens  the  severity  of  the  spasm.  The  follow- 
ing preparation  is  a  veiy  good  remedy  :  Ethereal  Tincture  of  Lobelia  §  ij ; 
Tincture  of  assaf  cstida,  3  i ;  laudanum,  3  ss  ;  fluid  extract  of  stillingia, 
§  ij  ;  simple  syrup,  3  iv  ;  mix,  and  take  a  tablespoonf  ul  every  two  hours. 
Electro-magnetism,  smoldng  stramoniuna  leaves,  inhaling  the  smoke 
from  burning  paper,  dipped  in  a  solution  of  saltpetre,  are  all  beneficial. 
The  anti-spasmodics,  especially  cherry-laurel  water,  should  be  taken  to 
prevent  the  occurrence  of  frequent  attacks.  In  hay  asthma,  changes 
of  locality  will  often  save  the  patient  from  an  attack.  The  tincture  of 
lobelia  is  a  very  good  remedy.  Quinine  and  nux  vomica  carefully  ad- 
ministered are  good  remedies.  Chloride  of  lime  placed  in  a  saucer  in 
the  sleeping-room  often  gives  relief.  My  "  Acacian  Balsam"  internally, 
and  the  "  Herbal  Ointment"  rubbed  externally  on  the  chest,  and  up  and 
down  the  spine,  have  cured  many  cases.  Many  interesting  cases  have 
come  under  my  notice  and  treatment,  but  space  forbids  any  allusion  to 
thein.     By  si^ecial  treatment  I  think  every  case  can  be  cured. 

Pleurisy. 

This  is  characterized  by  inflammation  of  the  pleura  or  serous  mem- 
brane enclosing  the  lungs.  The  disease  usually  commences  with  a  chill, 
which  is  succeeded  by  a  sharp,  lancinating  pain  in  the  side ;  cough, 
short  and  quick  breathing,  and  fever.  The  pain  is  usually  called  a  stitch 
in  the  side,  and  is  felt  somewhere  hi  the  mammary  region.  It  is  in- 
creased by  inspu-ation,  cough,  and  motion,  lying  on  the  affected  side,  d 


270  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

by  pressure.  As  the  pain  subsides,  the  effusion  of  a  serous  liquid  occurs 
into  the  pleural  cavity.  The  cough  is  usually  short  and  dry,  though  a 
little  frothy  mucus  may  be  expectorated.  Severe  pairi  often  attends, 
and  the  patient  tries  to  suppress  the  cough  as  much  as  possible.  The 
breathing  is  more  or  less  difficult  in  most  cases,  and  the  patient  is  said 
to  have  a  catch  in  his  breath.  When  the  effusion  is  both  sudden  and 
copious,  the  function  of  one  lung  may  be  more  or  less  suspended.  The 
fever  is  usually  considerable,  and  presents  the  usual  phenomena  of 
febrile  affections.  At  some  stages  the  patient's  voice  is  said  to  be  cego- 
•phoTums^  or  similar  to  a  goat's. 

Tre.\tment. — Commence  with  a  mild  cathartic,  and  though  opposed 
to  bleeding,  yet  if  there  is  a  human  ailment  requiring  bleeding  it  is 
pleurisy,  as  it  often  gives  prompt  relief  from  pain.  Sweating  should 
be  encouraged  at  the  outset,  and  for  this  purpose  the  tincture  of 
Virginia  snake-root,  in  teaspoonful  doses,  every  half-hour,  is  the  best. 
It  may  be  given  in  an  infusion  of  catnip,  balm,  or  pleurisy  root.  The 
affected  side  may  be  fomented  with  hops,  tansy,  wormwood,  etc., 
applied  very  hot,  or  it  may  be  blistered.  The  fever  is  to  be  con- 
trolled and  the  perspiration  kept  up  with  full  doses  of  veratrum. 
Dover's  powder  may  be  given  to  procure  sleep.  The  diet  should  be^  of 
the  very  lightest  kind.  The  alteratives  may  be  given  if  the  effusio^  is 
not  absorbed,  and  should  these  fad,  the  surgeon  may  perform  paraeen- 
toiis,  or  tapping  of  the  side. 

APNCEA,    OR  ASPHYXIA. 

Literally  the  word  asphyxia  means  pulseless,  and  was  for  a  long  time 
only  used  in  that  sense,  but  is  now  applied  generally  to  all  cases  of  sus- 
pended atdmation.  It  is  produced  by  the  non-conversion  of  venous  or 
blue  blood  of  the  lungs  into  arterial,  or  red  blood.  Death  is  caused  in  all 
cases  from  want  of  oxygenized  blood,  and  the  stagnation  that  results 
in  the  pulmonary  capillaries.  There  are  several  varieties  of  asphyxia  ; 
and  as  life  can  in  many  cases  be  revived,  I  shall  state  the  procedure 
of  resuscitation  in  each  case. 

Asphyxia  by  Extreme  Cold. 

When  a  person  is  subjected  to  extreme  cold,  the  first  .symptoms  are 
painful  feelings,  followed  by  sensations  similar  to  those  produced  by 
inhalation  of  carbonic  acid  gas.  He  becomes  benumbed,  indifferent  to  the 
danger  of  his  situation  ;  the  muscular  system  becomes  enervated,  step 
grows  tottering,  speech  imperfect ;  and  as  these  intluences  increase,  the 
breathing  becomes  irregular  and  slow,  the  muscular  powers  fail,  and 
he  sinks  into  a  state  of  insensibility  and  death. 

Treatment. — Rub  the  person  with  snow  if  practicable,  or  the  whole 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  271 

body  may  be  submerged  in  cold  water  for  a  short  time.  These  applica- 
tions should  be  gradually  increased  in  temperature  until  the  surface 
approaches  a  natural  state,  or  the  muscles  and  joints  are  sufficiently 
relaxed  to  admit  of  free  motion.  Then  resort  to  artificial  respiration 
as  in  drowning. 

Asphyxia  by  Inhalation  of  Gases. 

Some  gases  cause  death  by  spasmodic  closure  of  the  glottis,  others 
by  want  of  oxygen.  Carbonic  acid  gas  is  the  most  common  noxious 
gas. 

Treatment.— Place  the  patient  ia  a  region  where  pure  air  abounds, 
and  then  practise  artificial  respiration. 

Asphyxia  by  Submersion,  Drowning. 

Death  in  this  case  is  not  caused  by  the  stomach  and  air  passages 
being  filled  with  water,  but  ensues  ia  consequence  of  the  person  being 
plunged  in  a  medium  unfit  for  respiration.  In  no  case  where  the  body 
is  recovered  immediately  after  drowning,  should  the  means  of  resusci- 
tation be  left  unemployed.  Life  has  been  revived  even  ia  cases  that 
were  submerged  half  an  hour. 

Treatment. — 1st.  Treat  the  patient  instantly,  on  the  spot,  in  the 
open  air,  freely  esposiag  the  face,  neck,  and  chest  to  the  breeze,  except 
in  severe  weather. 

2d.    Send  for  the  nearest  medical  aid,  and  for  clothiag,  blankets,  etc. 

3d.  Place  the  patient  gently  on  the  face,  the  forehead  resting  on 
his  wrist.  This  empties  the  mouth  of  fluids,  and  allows  the  tongue  to 
fall  forward,  which  leaves  the  entrance  to  the  pipe  free. 

4th.  Turn  the  patient  slightly  on  his  side,  and  apply  ammonia,  snuff, 
or  other  ti-ritating  substances,  to  the  nostrils ;  then  dash  cold  water  on 
the  face,  previously  rubbed  briskly  until  it  is  warm.  If  there  be  no 
success,  iastantly — 

5th.  Replace  the  patient  on  his  face,  and  turn  the  body  gently,  but 
completely,  on  the  side  and  a  little  beyond,  and  then  on  the  face, 
alternately  ;  repeating  these  measures  with  deliberation,  efficiency,  and 
perseverance,  fifteen  times  to  the  minute.  When  the  patient  reposes 
on  the  chest,  this  cavity  is  compressed  and  expiration  takes  place  ;  the 
pressure  is  removed  when  turned  on  the  side,  and  inspiration  occurs. 

6th.  When  ia  the  prone  position,  niake  equable  but  efficient  press^ire 
along  the  spine,  augment  expiration,  and  remove  it  before  rotation  on 
the  side,  to  facilitate  iaspiration. 

7th.  Induce  circulation  and  warmth,  while  contiauing  these  measures, 
by  rubbing  the  limbs  upward  with.  Jirtn  pressure  and  with  energy,  using 
handkerchiefs,  etc. 

8th.     lleplace  the  patient's  wet  clothing  by  such  other  covering  as 


272  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

can  be  instantly  procured,  each  bystander  furnishing  a  coat  or  waist- 
coat. Meantime,  and  from  time  to  time,  let  the  surface  of  the  body  be 
slapped  freely  with  the  hand,  or  let  cold  water  be  dashed  brisMi,  over 
the  surface,  previously  rubbed  dry  and  warm. 

Let  the  patient  often  inhale  diluted  pure  hartshorn,  as  this  stimulates 
the  respiratory  organs. 

Consumption  (Phthisis). 

This  is  a  constitutional  affection  manifesting  itself  in  most  essential 
changes  in  the  tissue  of  the  lungs.  It  may  be  acute  or  chronic.  The 
acute  form,  or  galloping  consumption,  commences  with  chills,  fever, 
rapid  pulse,  cough,  pain  and  diflBculty  of  breathing,  which  are  soon  fol- 
lowed by  night-sweats,  hectic  fever,  great  emaciation,  exhaustion,  and 
if  its  course  is  not  arrested,  death.  The  chronic  variety  is,  however, 
that  which  we  usually  meet  with. 

For  the  sake  of  convenience,  I  will  class  the  symptoms  of  consump- 
tion into  four  general  stages,  viz. ,  the  Incipient  stage ;  the  Solidification 
stage;  the  Maturation  or  Softening  stage ;  and  the  U her ation  and  Sup- 
puration stage. 

The  first  stage  of  Tubercular  Phthisis  is  generally  stated  to  be  that  to 
which  the  physical  signs  indicate  a  deposit  in  the  lungs.  Evideni;ly, 
however,  there  is,  and  must  be,  an  antecedent  state  of  disordered  health 
before  the  most  skilful  observer  can  detect  the  sound  which  indicates 
the  least  shade  or  degree  of  solidification  of  the  lungs,  whether  by 
means  of  the  stethoscope,  or  other  methods  usually  resorted  to  by  the 
profession  for  such  purpose.  When  the  physical  signs  are  observed,  the 
use  of  the  stethoscope,  etc. ,  may  be  regarded  as  little  more  than  profes- 
sional display,  without  a  particle  of  advantage,  except  as  developing  in 
some  degree  the  actual  amotrnt  of  lesion  or  injury  then  sustained  by  the 
tissues  of  the  lungs.  There  must  be  a  causative  agent  that  originates 
the  predisposition  or  tendency  to  the  deposit  of  tubercles  in  the  tis- 
sues, or  which  elaborates  or  prepares  the  material  in  the  system,  from 
which  only  tubercle  is  formed.  But  we  should  not  wait  to  see  tlie 
physical  signs  developed  if  we  would  expect  uniform  and  Jiapeful  treatment 
of  tubercular  confiumjition. 

From  my  own  long  experience  in  the  specialty  of  thoracic  diseases,  I 
do  not  hesitate  to  say  that  the  actual  first  set  of  symptoms  of  consump- 
tion consists  simply  in  the  wasting  of  flesh,  particularly  if  this  is  attended 
with,  or  by,  a  low  scale  of  health  and  strength.  Such  loss  of  muscle, 
plumpness,  as  well  as  juices  and  fat,  is  first  noticed  in  three  princip;U 
places.  The  first  region  of  flesh-consuming  is  usually  the  face ;  the 
second,  the  hands ;  the  third,  over  the  sacral  or  hip  bones.  The  saci'al 
region,  where  it  first  gives  out,  is  lame  and  sore.  The  hands  look  poor 
and  ' '  Bcrawny  ;  "  the  muscles  of  the  arms  and  legs  are  soft  and  flabby. 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  273 

If  the  face  shows  it  first,  the  eyes  stare;  the  brow,  temples,  and 
scalp  look  lean  ;  the  muscular  tissues  of  all  the  limbs  soon  waste,  and 
the  pectoral  muscles,  as  also  all  the  chest  muscles,  waste  away,  and 
then  the  breathing  is  already  become  imperfect  and  weak. 

The  diminished  respiration  is  soon  attended  with  cough  ;  then  pains 
are  felt  through  the  breast  or  thorax. 

The  patient  next  is  sensible  of  something  WTrong,  and  is  conscious  of 
a  sense  of  general  debihty.  The  fact  is,  nutrition  is  lost.  The  vital 
powers  are  flagging,  for  the  wasting  of  tlie  hody^  in  sjyilc  of  eating^  is 
more  rapid  than  the  repair. 

Then  comes  a  state  of  Kpirit  depression — not  the  cauM  of  consump- 
tion, but  caused  by  the  already  deficient  \dtaUty,  and  all  the  more 
helping  on  the  grand  catastrophe ;  for  it  is  a  law  oi  our  being,  that 
where  nerve  structure  is  not  itself  nourished,  it,  too,  will  fail  in  its 
work,  just  as  surely  as  muscle  fibre  fails  of  power  fi<j»n  the  same  cause. 
To  recapitulate :  — 

1. — Incipient  sta.ge.  This  may  present  itself  at  a  very  early  age,  or 
may  appear  in  middle  age,  and  the  first  indications  are,  generally,  a 
subdued  and  saddened  feeling,  the  former  buoyancy  of  spirits  subsides, 
and  the  person  becomes  languid.  The  face  begins  to  assume  a  sickly 
-  hue,  and,  to  a  practised  eye,  tells  a  sad  tale.  The  skin  becomes  whiter, 
and  a  nervousness  and  sometimes  irritable  disposition  of  mind  appears ; 
and  if  any  hint  be  given  about  consumption  threatening,  the  person 
rebels  against  it,  and  will  not  tolerate  such  an  idea.  The  appetite  and 
digestion  frequently  become  impaired,  and  may  manifest  itself  ia 
capricious  fancies  for  certain  sorts  of  food.  A  sUght  cold  or  any  ex- 
citement will  bring  on  diarrhoea.  The  breath  is  short,  and  the  breath- 
ing hurried ;  running  or  walking  up  an  incline,  or  ascending  a  flight  of 
stairs,  is  unpleasant,  and  attended  by  a  fluttering  and  palpitation  of  the 
heart.  The  strength  and  weight  of  the  body  diminish,  but  this  varies. 
The  sleep  is  disturbed,  the  skin  becomes  hot,  there  are  burnings  of  the 
palms  of  the  hands,  and  cold  feet ;  a  short,  dry,  teasing  cough,  or 
tickling,  or  hawking  up  of  mucus  from  the  throat  appears.  There  is 
also  a  feeling  of  fecerishncss  and  uneasiness  after  meals,  which  are 
unfavorable  symptoms,  indicating  the  first  w^/i'^assimilation  of  the  food, 
which,  if  not  rectified,  will  inevitably  deposit  the  germ  of  tubercles, 
and  hence  no  time  should  now  be  lost  in  opposing  the  disease,  before 
it  lays  siege  to  the  citadel  of  the  body. 

2. — SoUdificatimi.  The  cough,  which  at  first  appeared  very  trifling, 
now  begins  to  assume  an  anxious  aspect,  and  becomes  troublesome.  It 
may  not  as  yet  be  attended  with  expectoration,  and  if  it  be,  the  matter 
expectorated  is  of  a  ropy  and  viscid  nature.  The  breathing  becomes 
more  impeded;  hectic  fever  sets  in,  with  chills  and  heats,  while  the 
weakness  of  lioth  body  and  mind  increases,  although  the  intellect  ia 
12*  S 


274  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

sometimes  extremely  bright  or  sound  to  the  very  last.  Pains,  like 
those  of  pleurisy,  are  felt  about  the  chest,  and  are  indications  of  those 
iiijlttmmatory  effusions  and  adhesions  which  attest  the  jirogress  of  the 
disease,  and  the  infraction  of  the  lung  structure,  and  the  impeding  of 
the  access  of  air  to  the  ceils  of  the  lungs.  The  blocking  up  of  the  air- 
cells  constitutes  the  stage  of  Solidification,  and  thus  interferes  with  the 
due  motives  or  functions  of  the  chest,  and,  if  not  arrested,  creates  an 
afflux  of  fluid  to  the  parts,  thus  promoting  congestion  and  fresh  de- 
posits in  the  lungs. 

^.—Maturation  and  S»ftening.  In  this  stage,  all  the  former  symp- 
toms are  aggravated,  and  consumption  is  now  confirmed.  Fresh  de- 
posits in  the  lungs  occur,  and  hasten  the  maturation  and  softening. 
These  local  lesions  in  their  turn  re-act  on  the  system  at  large,  aggravat- 
ing the  general  infection  and  depressing  the  vital  powers.  Hence  the 
advancing  inertia  of  aU  the  vital  powers— the  universal  languor,  loss  of 
flesh,  and  strength,  and  weight.  The  cheeks  and  lips  become  blanched 
— painfully  contrasting  with  the  circumscribed  hectic  patch  of  the  for- 
mer. The  expectoration  is  changed,  and  becomes  more  copious,  opaque, 
and  viscid,  more  massive,  and  frequently  streaked  with  blood,  ^or  mixed 
with  flocculent,  wool-like,  or  curdy  particles.  It  is  most  troublesoriie  in 
the  mornings,  and  when  going  to  bed.  The  feverishness  and  general 
exhaustion  increase ;  restless  nights,  with  perspirations,  hurried  breath- 
ing, change  in  voice,  and  emaciation  also  increases.  The  appetite  fails 
—either  constipation  or  diarrhoea,  more  frequently  the  latter,  comes  on, 
with  great  increase  of  cough  and  vomiting  after  meals.  If  the  disease 
advance  to  this  stage,  it  will  require  much  vigilance  and  judgment  to 
arrest  its  progress,  as  the  mischief  in  the  lungs  is  now  very  great,  and 
ulcers,  rapidly  forming,  constitute  what  is  called  tubercles. 

4.  —  Ulceration  and  Suppuration.  The  disease  now  assumes  a  totally 
different  aspect,  and  becomes  exceeding  formidable  in  its  nature  and 
results.  The  cough  becomes  more  severe,  and  the  expectoration  green- 
ish, yeUow,  or  even  sometimes  like  tufts  of  wood  chewed,  appearing, 
when  viewed  in  water,  like  jagged  round  balls.  Hemorrhage,  or  bleed- 
ing from  the  lungs,  is  likely  to  come  on,  and  the  difficulty  of  breathing 
is  very  great.  The  patient  can  scarcely  lie  down  ;  many  times  he  must 
be  kept  with  his  head  bolstered  up  in  a  chair,  or  in  his  bed,  when  sleep 
is  desired.  Sometimes  the  voice  is  reduced  to  a  mere  whisper,  while  in 
others  it  remains  quite  strong  to  the  last.  The  perspiration,  or  night- 
sweats,  are  very  coj)ious,  and  very  exhaustive  of  the  vitality  of  the 
organism.  The  ulcers  or  tubercles  in  the  lungs  increase,  causing  large 
excavations,  from  which  issue  copious  expectorations,  sapping  and  un- 
dermining the  foundation  of  the  entire  system. 

The  most  unpractised  eye  can  now  at  once  detect  the  ravages  of  this 
disease  in  the  altered  appearance  of  the  whole  frame ;   the  body  ia 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  275 

reduced  to  a  mere  skeleton  ;  the  eyes  are  suiiken ;  cheek  bones  promi- 
nent, with  sunken  cheeks  ;  the  head  bends  forward  ;  the  chest  is  wasted, 
and  the  breathing  becomes  distressingly  painful.  The  mental  faculties 
generally  become  impaired  ;  yet  a  gracious  God.  amid  all  this  suffering, 
frequently  permits  the  faculties  to  remain  intact  until  the  last  ember 
bums  out. 

Treatment. — This  resolves  itself  into  such  a  management  of  the 
case  as  will  tend  to  prevent  the  development  of  the  disease,  or  its 
removal  when  it  exists.  It  will  be  seen  that  consumption  has  its  origin 
in  a  vitiated  and  defective  condition  of  the  general  organism.  This 
may  occur  as  the  result  of  hereditary  predisposition,  or  from  defective 
nutrition,  oi  from  imperfect  development  of  either  a  part  or  the  whole  of 
the  organic  structure,  and  general  disobedience  to  the  physiological  law 
of  the  general  organism.  Whenever  this  predisposition  exists,  the  de- 
fective organization,  as  far  as  practicable,  should  be  remedied  by  a 
faithful  adherence  to  the  laws  of  physiology  and  dietetics.  Children 
possessing  this  organization  should  not  be  confined  too  closely  in  schools 
or  to  study,  but  should  be  reared  in  the  country,  and  be  exposed  to 
fresh  air  and  out-door  exercise.  Both  boys  and  girls  should  be  allowed 
to  ramble  through  the  fields,  and  indulge  in  those  gymnastic  exercises 
which  tend  to  give  strength  and  vigor  to  the  system  generally,  such  as 
jumping  the  rope,  rolling  the  hoop,  flying  the  kite,  hoeing,  wheeling, 
riding  on  horseback,  etc. ,  and  not  be  studiously  confined  in-doors,  be- 
cause it  is  a  "delicate  child."  Tidy  mothers  should  not  be  horrified 
if  they  find  their  child  of  fraU  organization  making  mud-pies,  or  that 
he  has  torn  his  frock  in  climbing  an  apple-tree.  Their  diet  should  be 
plain  and  nutritious,  consisting  of  bread  and  mUk,  oatmeal  porridge, 
baked  apples  and  milk,  vegetables,  and  a  liberal  amoimt  of  meat  once 
or  twice  a  day.  Their  sleeping  apartments  should  be  well  ventilated, 
and  they  should  be  warmly  clad  in  aU  seasons.  Misses,  upon  the 
approach  of  the  catamenial  flow,  should  be  well  instructed  that  the  feet 
should  be  kept  warm  and  diy,  that  washing  and  bathing  in  cold  water 
should  be  avoided,  and  all  exposure  to  cold  and  moisture  is  hurtful. 

The  medicinal  trca'.ment  of  consumption  has  been  extensive,  and  to 
enumerate  aU  that  has  been  tried  and  recommended  would  fill  a  volume. 
Some  recommend  inhalations  ;  these  answer  their  purpose  well  for  tem- 
porary relief.  The  disease  must  be  treated  upon  general  principles. 
The  cough  should  be  allayed  by  appropriate  remedies,  the  occasional 
diarrhoea  checked  by  the  astringents,  the  debility  removed  by  tonics, 
and  vitality  stimulated  by  alcoholic  liquors.  It  is  beyond  question,  that 
spirit-drinkirg  has  been  beneficial  in  a.  number  of  cases,  if  taken  rgug- 
larly  and  moderately.  Phosphorus  is  a  good  remedy,  especially  if  given 
in  a  form  as  it  exists  in  erytlirqxylon  coca.  External  irritants,  as  Croton 
oil  to  the  chest,  answer  very  welL     The  blood  of  the  consumptive  con- 


276  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

tains  too  much  oxygen,  and  too  little  caibon  ;  hence  to  supply  this  defi- 
ciency cod-liver  oil,  which  is  a  highly  carbonaceous  food,  is  excellent. 
It  gives  warmth  to  the  body,  and  supplies  the  disease  with  material  for 
destruction,  without  expense  to  the  body.  The  chalybeates  may  also  be 
given  to  give  strength  and  enrich  the  blood  in  its  red  particles.  Change 
of  climate  is  rarely  beneficial.  The  diet  must  be  highly  nutritious ;  fresh 
air,  occasional  baths,  and  plenty  of  friction,  should  not  be  neglected. 
"While  investigatiag  the  best  means  of  treating  this  disease,  I  deemed 
that  if  a  combiiiation  could  be  made  that  would  prove  remedial  to  all 
the  morbid  characters  of  consumption,  that  would  antagonize  each 
pathological  condition  as  they  arose,  thus  holding  the  disease  in  abey- 
ance, and  allow  the  forces  of  reparation  and  recuperation  to  mend  the 
ravages  of  the  disease,  that  such  a  combination  would  most  surely  cure 
the  disease.  After  various  experiments,  I,  finally,  by  intimate  know- 
ledge of  the  chemical  elements  of  plants  and  the  pathology  of  the  dis- 
ease, was  led  to  compoimd  the  "  Acacian  Balsam,"  which  has  stood  the 
test  for  years,  and  the  thousands  of  testimonials  of  the  permanent  cure 
of  many  bad  cases  of  consumption  attest  its  virtues. 

It  is  a  superior  exhilartmt.  It  purifies  all  the  fluids  and  secretions  in 
the  shortest  reasonable  period.  It  nourishes  the  patient  who  is  too 
much  reduced  to  partake  of  ordinar^^  food.  It  will  supply  the  place  of 
food  for  a  month  at  a  time.  It  strengthens,  braces,  and  vitahze^  the 
brain.  It  heals  all  internal  sores,  tubercles,  ulcers,  and  inflammations. 
It  stimulates,  but  is  not  followed  by  reaction.  It  at  once  obviates  ema- 
ciation, building  up  wasted  flesh  and  muscle,  as  the  rain  vivifies  and 
enhances  the  growth  of  the  grass.  It  is  without  a  rival  as  a  tonic,  and 
it  immediately  supplies  electricity  or  magnetic  force  (as  if  it  were  a  bat- 
tery) to  every  part  of  the  enfeebled  and  prostrate  body.  In  conjimc- 
tion  with  the  balsam,  I  also  advise  external  application  of  the  "  Herbal 
Ointment"  (which  answers  all  the  purposes  of  counter-irritants)  to  the 
chest,  throat  and  back,  and  the  bowels  regulated  with  the  "Renovat- 
ing Pill"  (see  page  469). 

ANATOMY  OF  THE  HEART. 

The  heart  is  a  hollow  muscular  organ,  surrounded  by  a  membranous 
sac  called  tlie  pericardium.  It  lies  between  the  two  pleuraj  of  the 
lungs,  aud  rests  upon  the  cord-like  tendon  of  the  midrift",  in  the  cavity 
of  the  chest. 

Its  sliajie  is  conoidal,  though  it  is  somewhat  flattened  upon  that  side 
that  rests  upon  the  tendon  of  the  diaphragm.  Its  apex  inclines  to  the 
left  side,  touching  the  walls  of  the  thorax  between  the  fifth  and  sixth 
ribs.  It  meaHureti  about  five  inches  and  a  half  from  its  apex  to  its  baise, 
three  and  a  half  inches  in  the  diameter  of  its  base,  aiul  wcirjIiH  about  si:^ 
or  eight  ounces.     It  contains  four  caoities,  which  perform  two  functions : 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


277 


that  of  receiAnng  the  blood  and  emptying  the  blood  into  the  lungs,  and 
that  of  receiving  it  again  after  it  has  been  oxygenated,  and  distributing 
it  throughout  the  vascular  system.  The  receptacles  are  inirides,  and 
the  ventricles  propel  the  blood  to  the  lungs  and  through  the  body. 

The  auricle  and  ventricle  of  the  right  side  receive  and  propel  the 
venous  blood  mto  the  lungs.  The  auricle  and  ventricle  of  the  left  side 
receive  and  propel  the  arterial  blood  throughout  the  system. 

The  blood  circulntes  as  follows  :  The  ascending  and  descending  vena 
cavse  empty  the  blood  (venous)  into  the  right  auricle  ;  from  here  it 
passes  to  the  right  ventricle,  through  an  opemng  protected  by  a  valve, 
downwards  ;  from  the  right  ventricle  it  is  propelled  through  the  pul- 
monary artery,  which  divides  into  two  branches,  to  the  limgs ;  in  the 
lungs  it  is  oxygenated  by  the  inspired  air  ;  it  is  then  brought  from  the 
lungs,  by  four  pulmonary  veins,  into  the  left  auricle.  The  left  auricle 
has  an  opening  communicating  with  the  left  ventricle,  protected  by 
a  valve  opening  do «ti wards,  and  from  the  left  ventricle  it  passes  into 
the  aorta,  thence  to  be  distributed  throughout  the  body. 

The  right  auricle  is  a  cavity  of  irregular  shape,  somewhat  oblong,  and 
like  a  cube  ;  anteriorly  it  has  a  convexity 
which  is  called  its  sinus  ;  superiorly  there  is 
an  elongated  jDrocess  resembling  the  ear  of  an 
animal,  whence  the  term  auricle.  Its  walls 
are  thin,  and  composed  of  muscular  fibres, 
which  are  called  musculi 2')ectinati,  on  account 
of  their  parallel  arrangeiuent,  resembling  the 
teeth  of  a  comb.  The  superior  ^,  and  in- 
ferior vena  cavse  enter  the  auricle  from  be- 
hind. The  elevation  between  the  orifices  is 
called  the  tuberculiim  Loweri.  The  coronary 
veins  oj^en  into  this  cavity,  and  their  orifices 
are  protected  by  the  valves  of  Thebesius. 
The  opening  to  the  ventricle  is  circular,  and 
surrounded  by  a  dense  white  line.  '^^'^  Heart. 

The  right  ventricle^,  is  a  triangular  cavity,  with  thick  walls,  and  of 
greater  capacity  than  any  other  cavity  of  the  heart.  Its  muscular 
structure  is  in  the  form  of  large  fleshy  bundles,  called  colum/ice  carnece, 
from  which  proceed  thin,  white  cords,  called  cli&rdm  tendinece,  which  are 
attached  to  the  edge  of  the  tricuspid  valve.  This  valve  is  circular, 
having  at  its  lower  edge  thi-ee  spear-jiointed  processes,  whence  its  name. 
It  closes  downwards,  and  prevents  the  blood  from  returning  into  the 
auricle,  and,  therefore,  it  passes  out  by  the  puhnonary  artery '' .  The 
valves  protecting  the  orifice  of  the  pulmonary  artery  open  outwards,  and 
are  called  the  semi-lunar  valves.  They  are  formed  by  three  half-moon- 
ehaped  folds  of  the  lining  membranes,  and  their  use  is  to  prevent  th* 


278  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

blood  returning  from  the  artery  to  the  ventricle,  when  it  dilates. 
Behind  each  valve  is  a  pouch  or  dilatation,  called  the  Sinus  of  VaUalva, 
into  which  the  blood  Hows  by  its  reflux  tendency  upon  the  dilatation  of 
the  ventricle,  and  thus  these  valves  are  closed.  The  pulmonary  artery 
is  of  the  same  diameter  as  the  aorta,  but  its  walls  are  thumer.  After  its 
origin  it  curves  upwards  and  backwards,  and  divides  into  two  branches, 
the  right  of  which  is  larger  than  the  left ',  and  passes  under  the  arch  of 
the  aorta. 

The  lift  auricle  ^,  is  more  concealed  from  its  natural  position  than  the 
right.  The  four  pulmonary  veins  enter  into  it,  which  give  it  a  quad- 
rangular shape.  Its  walls  are  muscular  and  somewhat  thicker  than 
those  of  the  right  auricle.  The  partition  between  the  auricles  is  not 
always  perfect  even  in  adult  life. 

The  left  ventricle  *,  forms  by  its  cavity  the  apex  of  the  heart ;  it  is 
like  a  cone  in  shape.  Its  walls  are  thick,  and  its  columns  cnrnece  nume- 
rous, strong  and  jirojecting  ;  the  chordcz  tendinca  are  well  developed,  and 
attached  to  the  bicuspid  or  mitral  valve.  This  valve  consists  of  two 
leaflets,  one  of  which  is  much  larger  than  the  other.  The  contraction  of 
the  ventricle  closes  the  valve,  and  the  blood  passes  out  by  th«  aorta  °. 
The  heart  is  supplied  with  blood  by  the  right  and  left  coronary .  arte- 
ries" '^;  the  veLus  which  accompany  them  empty  by  a  common  trunk 
into  the  right  auricle. 

It  will  thus  be  scon  what  a  complex  piece  of  machinery  the  human 
heart  is,  and  how  vital  the  organ  must  be.  It  will  be  apparent  to  every 
reader  that  the  least  interruption  or  derangement  of  its  functional  ac- 
tion is  sure  to  be  manifested  upon  the  integrity  of  the  general  system. 
Any  valvular  derangement  or  breaking  down  of  the  septum  between  the 
auricles  and  ventricles  will  allow  the  commingling  of  arterial  with  ve- 
nous blood,  threatening  death  with  asphyxia.  Atrophy  and  hypertrophy 
interfere  with  the  muscular  action  of  the  walls  of  the  heart,  and,  in 
fact,  it  vdW  be  ob^aous  from  the  complex  character  of  the  structural 
anatomy  and  the  importance  of  the  functional  actions  of  the  heart,  that 
any  disease  assailing  the  organ  is  attended  with  danger. 

In  circvdation  the  contraction  of  all  the  cavities  is  followed  by  their 
dilatation.  The  contraction  is  called  the  systole ;  the  dilatation,  the 
diastole.  What  is  called  the  imjndse  of  the  heart  occurs  during  the 
diastole.  The  heart's  impulse  is  the  shock  communicated  by  its  apex  to 
the  walls  of  the  thorax,  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  fifth  and  sixth 
ribs.  The  imjmlse  is  not  the  .same  as  the  arterial  pulse.  The  heart 
emits  two  sounds,  first  and  second,  followed  by  an  interval.  The  first 
are  the  longest.  The  following  table  shows  the  connection  of  the 
Bounds  of  the  heart  with  its  movements : — 

First  Sound. — Second  sta^re  of  ventricultir  diastole.  Ventricular  svstole,  and  auricu- 
lar diastole.     Impulse  iigaiuat  the  cUufit.     l;>ui;>ti  iu  tlxo  urtuiies. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  279 

Second  Sound. — First  stage  of  ventricular  diastole. 

Interval.— ?>hoTt  repose,  then  auricular  systole,  and  second  stage  of  ventricular  dias- 
tole, etc. 

Each  cavity  of  the  heart  will  hold  about  two  fluid  ounces,  but  it  is 
probable  that  the  ventricles  do  not  entirely  empty  themselves  at  each 
stroke  ;  they  will  therefore  discharge  about  one  and  one-half  ounces  at 
each  pulsation.  Reckoning  75  pulsations  to  the  minute,  there  will  pass 
through  the  heart  in  this  time  113  ounces  or  7  lbs.  of  blood.  The  whole 
quantity  of  blood  in  the  human  body  is  equal  to  about  one-fifth  of  its 
weight,  or  28  lbs.  in  a  person  weighing  140  lbs.  This  quantity  would 
therefore  pass  through  the  heart  once  in  four  minutes,  or  about  fifteen 
or  twenty  times  an  hour.  It  is  very  probable  that  circulation  is  much 
more  rapid  than  this  estimate.  The  number  of  contractions  of  the 
heart  in  a  minute  is  about  70  or  75.  The  frequency  of  its  action  gradu- 
ally diminishes  from  the  commencement  to  the  end  of  life.  Just  after 
birth  it  ranges  from  140  to  loO,  in  old  age  05  to  50.  Age,  sex,  muscular 
exertion,  emotions,  and  temperament  exert  a  controlling  influence  over 
the  heart's  action.  In  persons  of  sanguine  temperament  the  heart  beats 
more  frequently  than  in  those  of  the  phlegmatic,  and  in  the  female 
sex  more  frequently  than  in  the  male.  Its  action  is  also  increased  after 
a  meal,  and  by  rising  from  a  recumbent  to  a  sitting  or  standing  posture. 
The  time  of  day  also  affects  it ;  the  jjulse  is  more  frequent  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  becomes  gradually  slower  as  the  day  advances. 

The  pulse  is  always  a  sure  index  of  health  or  disease.  In  inflamma- 
tion and  fevers  the  pulse  is  much  more  frequent  than  during  health. 
"WTien  the  vital  powers  decline  it  becomes  frequent  and  feeble.  In  ner- 
vous affections  with  more  oppression  than  exhaustion  of  the  forces,  the 
pulse  is  often  remarkably  slow. 

The  membrane  lining  the  interior  of  the  heart  is  called  the  endocar- 
dhun,  and  the  enveloping  membrane  on  the  exterior  the  peiHcardium. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  HEART  AI\"D  CIRCULATORY  SYSTEM. 

Palpitation. 

This  is  the  most  common  disease  of  the  heart,  and  may  be  connected 
with  various  structural  changes  of  the  organ,  yet  it  frequently  exists 
independently  of  any  organic  lesion,  and  is  often  sympathetically  de- 
pendent upon  dyspepsia,  hypochondria,  hysterics,  mental  agitation, 
venereal  excesses,  mastvu'bation,  etc.  It  may  also  be  due  to  a  low  and 
deficient  state  of  the  blood,  or  anmmia.  The  impulse  is  weak,  flutter- 
ing, or  ttimultuous,  generally  increased  by  trifling  causes.  The  beats 
are  increased  in  frequency,  sometimes  marked  by  intermission,  and  oc- 
casionally accompanied  by  a  bellows  murmur.  The  comijlexion  is  gen- 
erally pallid  and  bloodless,  the  lips  and  inside  of  mouth  also   pale,  the 


280  THE    COMPLKTE    HERBALIST. 

pulse  quick  and  jerking,  and  the  pcatient  complains  of  breathlessnesa 
and  fainting.  He  dislikes  animal  food,  but  relishes  acids.  In  females 
the  deficiency  of  menstrual  flow  is  superseded  by  the  whites,  or  some- 
times the  flow  becomes  very  profuse. 

Treatment. — During  the  paroxysm  a  compound  of  yellow  jessamine, 
Bcull-cap,  and  ladies'-slipper  should  be  given,  in  sufficient  doses  every 
hour,  until  relieved.  The  feet  should  be  bathed  in  warm  water  and 
the  patient  avoid  all  exertion  or  excitement.  If  due  to  anemia,  the 
proper  remedies  as  well  as  nourishing  diet  should  be  prescribed.  If  co- 
existent with  dyspepsia,  hypochondria,  etc.,  the  proper  treatment  for 
those  affections  should  be  instituted. 

Angina  Pectoris. 

This  disease  presents  rather  difficult  pathological  features.  By  some 
writers  it  is  called  neuralgia  of  the  heart.  The  principal  symptoms  are, 
violent  pain  about  the  breast  bone,  extending  towards  the  arms,  anxiety, 
difficulty  of  breathing,  and  sense  of  sufEocation.  The  paroxysm  may 
be  brought  on  by  fast  wallcing,  over-eating,  or  violent  exercise,  but  they 
may  also  come  on  when  the  i3atient  lies  quietly  in  bed.  If  connected  with 
ossification,  or  other  morbid  conditions,  it  is  an  affection  of  great  danger. 

Treatment. — During  the  paroxysm  the  most  powerful  stimulating 
and  narcotic  anti-spasmodics  are  required.  The  feet  should  be  placed 
in  warm  water,  a  large  mustard  plaster  should  be  applied  over  the  car- 
diac region,  and  one  drop  of  the  tincture  of  aconite  may  be  given  every 
minute  or  two,  until  the  spasm  is  relieved.  If  it  is  associated  ^vith  any 
organic  disease  of  the  heart,  the  proper  treatment  for  such  disease 
should  be  instituted,  and  if  due  to  a  neuralgic  affection  of  the  organ, 
the  proper  remedies  for  neuralgia  should  be  given.  Patients  suffering 
from  this  dangerous  disease  should  lose  no  time  in  consulting  some  well- 
skilled  physician. 

Pericarditis. 

This  consists  of  inflammation  of  the  sac  in  which  the  heart  is  con- 
tained. It  does  not  essentially  differ  from  other  serous  inflammations, 
as  there  may  be  exudation  and  liquid  effusion,  the  quantity  varying 
from  a  few  ounces  to  a  few  pints.  The  disease  is  usually  ushered  in 
with  a  slight  chill,  followed  with  fever,  or  it  may  commence  with  faint- 
ing. Pain,  oppression,  weight,  palpitation,  cough,  hurried  and  difficult 
respiration,  frequent  and  irregular  pulse,  inability  to  lie  on  the  left  side, 
headache,  delirium,  faintuess,  anxiety,  debility,  restlessness,  and  great 
nervous  irritability  usually  attend  the  attack.  The  face  and  extrenu- 
ties  are  swollen,  and  the  urine  scanty  and  high-colored.  The  essential 
conditions  of  fever  are  always  present,  the  jmlse  sometimes  attaining 
120  to  the  uiJnutc.     If  the  acute  form  advances  for  eeveral  weeks  it 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  281 

becomes  chronic,  or  may  by  insidious  advances  be  chronic  from  tb  . 
first.     The  symptoms  are  nearly  the  same  as  in  the  acute  form. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  should  be  commenced  by  a  lobclr 
emetic,  an  active  purge,  and  the  application  of  hot  packs  to  the  chest. 
The  tincture  of  veratrum  should  be  given  in  sufficient  quantities  to  con 
trol  the  inflammation  and  lessen  the  action  of  the  heart.  Usually,  from 
two  to  five  drops  every  half  hour  is  sufficient.  If  associated  with  rheu- 
matism, colchicum,  cannabis  sativa,  or  macrotys  racemosa,  should  be 
given.  In  malarial  districts,  qivinine  becomes  necessary.  Blistering  or 
local  depletion  may  be  necessary  in  some  cases. 

Endocarditis. 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  internal  liniag  of  the  heart.  There  is 
at  fii'st  pain  about  the  heart,  whose  disordered  action  may  be  violent, 
or  else  feeble,  in-egular,  and  intermitting.  There  is  more  or  less  diffi- 
culty of  breathing,  and  the  organ  gives  forth  some  abnormal  sounds, 
such  as  the  bellows  murmur,  the  rasping  and  sawing  murmur,  arising 
from  thickening  of,  or  deposit  on,  some  of  the  valves.  One  or  more  of 
the  above  symptoms  occurring  during  the  course  of  acute  rheumatism, 
may  be  considered  a  sign  of  endocarditis.  The  patient  generally  lies  on 
his  back,  and  his  pain  may  sometimes  be  so  slight  as  scarcely  to  be  no- 
ticed, but  in  dangerous  cases  there  is  extreme  anguish,  liable  to  be 
followed  by  orthopnoea,  or  necessity  of  being  in  the  erect  posture 
to  be  able  to  breathe,  followed  by  restlessness,  delirium,  and  death. 
The  murmurs  may  occur  at  any  stage  of  the  disease,  from  the  very 
beginning  towards  the  close. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  is  essentially  the  same  as  for  pericar- 
ditis in  the  commencement  of  the  attack,  with  the  exception  that  it 
may  be  necessary  to  administer  stimulants  in  some  cases.  Leeches  may 
be  applied  to  the  cardiac  region,  and  between  the  shoulders.  Digitalis 
and  veratrum  should  be  cautiovisly  administered  to  control  the  heart's 
action.  If  associated  with  rheumatism,  colchicum  should  be  given. 
Mustard  poultices,  blisters  or  hot  packs  may  be  applied  to  the  chest  to 
hasten  the  absoi^jtion  of  the  dej)Osit  of  lymph. 

If  myocarditis,  or  inflammation  of  the  entire  substance  of  the  heart, 
complicates  either  pericarditis  or  endocarditis,  the  active  treatment  ad- 
vised in  the  latter  diseases  will  remove  it. 

Chronic  Valvular  Disease  of  the  Heart. 

Tliis  frequently  results  from  chronic  endocarditis.  They  may  either 
be  contracted  or  distorted,  preventing  accurate  closure,  or  ulceration 
may  occur  through  the  valves.  Vegetations  and  a  jieculiar  deposit  may 
take  jjlace  under  the  tissue  of  the  valves,  and  occasioujilly  there  is  a 
deposition  of  cartilaginous  or  osseous  matter,  and  in  rheumatic  or  gouty 


282  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

subjects,  of  the  urate  of  soda,  or  the  valves  may  become  atrophied   or 
wasted  away.     The  effects  in  slight  cases  may  occasion  but  little  diffi- 
culty, but  in  severe  it  is  apt  to  produce  hypertrophy  and  dilatation, 
dropsy,  local  inllammations,  and  ultimately  death.     These  results  are 
owing  to  an  impediment  in  the  forward  movement  of  the  blood,  and  to 
the  regurgitation  of  the  same,  producing  an  accumulation  behind.    This 
is  plainly  illustrated  in  an  affection  of  the  mitral  valve.     If  its  orifice  is 
contracted  by  deposits,  the  blood  accumulates  in  the  left  auricle  by  the 
impediment,  and  distends  it ;  congestion  of  the  pulmonary  veins  is  the 
consequence ;  the  lungs  share  in  the  congestion,  and  pulmonary  apo 
plexy  may  be  the  result.     This  of  course  occasions  an  insufficient  supply 
of  blood  to  the  general  system,  which  the  heart  is  willing  to  relieve, 
and,  therefore,  makes  greater  efforts,  but  becomes  hypertrophied  or  en- 
larged in  so  doing.      Again,  suppose  some  insufficiency  in  the   mitral 
valve,  owing  to  ulceration,  for  example,  the  blood  will  regurgitate  into 
the  left  auricle  at  each  pulsation,  it  produces  the  same  effects.     If  the 
sernilunar  valves  are  contracted,  a  less  supply  of  blood  is  sent  to  the  gen- 
eral system,  but  congestion  of  the  heart  and  consequent  enlargement 
and  dilatation  of  the  left  ventricle  may  occur.     The  general  symptoms  of 
valvular  disease  is  difficulty  of  breathing,  increased  by  muscular  efforts' -or 
emotion,  palpitations,  the  pulse  intermittent  or  jerky.     Distinctive  miir- 
murs  accompany  these  affections  ;  in  mitral  deficiency  we  hear  a  prolong- 
ed munuur  in  a  low  key,  like  whispering  the  word  ''who;"  in  contrac- 
tion of  the  aortic  valves  we  have  a  comparatively  superficial  sound  like 
whispering  the  letter  "  z  ;  "  in  regurgitations  we  hear  squashing  sounds. 
Treatment. — The  mitigation  of  the  urgent  symptoms  may  be  accom- 
plished by  ladies'-slipper,   hops,  or  henbane.     In  violent  action  of  the 
heart  cherry  laurel  water  may  be  given  with  the  henbane.     Hot  foot- 
baths and  mustard  plasters  may  also  be  necessary.     In  sudden  palpita- 
tion and  difficulty  of  breathing,  the  compound  spirits  of  lavender  should 
be  given.     Collinsonia  is  the  proper  remedy  if  hypertrophy  of  the  valves 
is  suspected.     In  valviilar  insufficiency  the  tonics  and  a  liberal   diet 
should  be  prescribed.     Conium,   belladonna,  digitalis,  irisin,  veratrum, 
stramonium,  and  cannabis  sativa,  are  also  extensively  used  in  various 
combination,  if  they  are  indicated. 

Atrophy  op  the  Heart. 
This  may  result  from  various  causes.  When  it  exists,  greater  reso- 
nance accompanies  percussion,  and  the  two  sounds  of  the  heart  will  be 
more  feeble,  but  more  distinctly  heard.  The  symptoms  are  pallor,  cold- 
ness and  dropsy  of  the  extremities,  cough,  irregular  respiration,  palpita- 
tion, oppression  ;  in  females,  irregularity  or  vicarious  menstruation.  It 
may  occur  with  the  exhausting  diseases,  as  cancer,  consumption,  dia- 
betes, etc. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  283 

Treatment. — The  patient  should  avoid  all  excesses  in  mental  and 
bodily  exercise.  The  diet  should  consist  of  rich  animal  broth,  with  a 
liberal  amount  of  fats  and  sugar,  cod-liver  oil,  and  the  tonics  should  be 
administered. 

Hypertrophy  and  Dilatation  op  the  Heart 

As  these  are  generally  coexistent,  they  should  be  considered  together. 
The  dimensions  of  the  heart  may  be  increased  either  by  augmentation 
of  its  muscular  walls,  or  enlargement  of  its  cavities.  The  former  is 
hypertrophy,  the  latter  dilatation.  The  most  prominent  symptom  is 
difficulty  of  breathing,  produced  by  any  exertion;  also  palpitations, 
which  are  sometimes  so  violent  as  to  shake  the  whole  body.  The 
secondary  signs  are  violent  headache,  vertigo,  buzzing  in  the  ears,  flashes 
of  light,  pulmonary  congestion,  pneumonia,  apoplexy  of  the  lungs,  con- 
gestion of  the  liver,  bilious  disorders,  and  general  and  local  dropsy. 
The  patient's  sufEering  is  often  extreme,  and,  unable  to  lie  in  bed,  he  Ls 
forced  to  assume  constantly  a  sitting  posture,  with  the  body  bent  for- 
ward. Death  usually  occurs  suddenly  in  syncope  or  fainting.  Valvular 
disease  is  the  most  frequent  cause,  though  they  may  be  caused  by  rheu- 
matic irritation,  excessive  exertion  of  the  organs  from  any  cause,  as 
violent  exercise,  jilaying  on  wind  instruments,  violent  passions,  intem- 
perance, etc. 

Treatment. — The  exciting  cause  should  be  removed,  especially  valvu- 
lar disease.  The  patient's  habits  of  life  and  occupation  sliould  be  regu- 
lated, and  his  diet  moderated.  Mild  cathartics  should  occasionally  be 
given  and  passive  exercise  engaged  in.  Digitalis  is  the  special  medicine ; 
cherry  laurel  water  is  also  used  for  the  same  purjiose.  These  should  be 
carefully  administered.  The  tincture  of  aconite  and  colchicura  should 
be  given  where  it  has  resulted  from  rheumatism.  In  dilatation  the 
tonics,  cod-liver  oil,  and  animal  food  should  be  prescribed.  Digitalis  is 
also  specially  required.  Wild  cheny  bark  is  an  excellent  tonic,  and  as 
nervous  symptoms  are  very  apt  to  be  present  in  females,  opium,  bella- 
donna, valerian,  etc. ,  may  be  given  with  advantage.  Every  etf ort  should 
be  made  to  enrich  the  blood. 

Cyanosis,  or  Blue  Disease. 

In  this  disease  the  skin  bears  a  leaden  or  puiple  tinge  over  the  whole 
body.  There  is  a  reduction  of  warmth,  and  labored  breathing.  It  is 
due  to  the  admixture  of  blue  or  venous  blood  with  arterial  or  red  blood, 
and  caused  by  the  right  and  left  sides  of  the  heart  remaining  open  after 
birth,  or  by  obstruction  of  the  pulmonary  artery,  thereby  withholding 
the  blood  from  the  lungs  and  preventing  arterialization.  It  is  a  disease 
confined  to  infants,  and  is  almost  necessarily  fatal. 

Tbeatment.  — The  circulation  must  be  sedated  by  allowing  the  child 


284  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

complete  rest,  or  by  the  careful  administration  of  veratrum  ;  good  food, 
fresh  air,  and  protection  from  extremes  of  heat  and  cold  are  necessary. 
Apply  friction  to  the  head  and  body  by  some  soft  cloth.  If  syncope 
occurs,  the  child  should  be  placed  in  a  warm  bath,  and  camphor  applied 
to  its  nostrUs. 

The  heart  is  liable  to  be  assailed  by  other  diseases.  Softening  of  the 
heart  may  take  place  without  inflammation  ;  it  may  result  in  rupture  of 
the  heart.  Various  indurations  of  the  heart  may  occur,  as  of  the 
fibrous,  cartilaginous  and  osseous  character.  Fatty  degeneration  is  a 
rare  disease.     Tubercle^  cancer^  and  polypi  are  also  noticed. 

The  heart  is  the  most  important  organ  in  the  body ;  hence  its  diseases 
to  the  physician  are  full  of  interest.  Nothing  gives  to  a  person  greater 
anxiety  than  the  suspicion  or  knowledge  that  he  is  affected  with  heart 
disease.  The  dread  of  sudden  death  is  universal,  and  so  it  generally 
occurs  in  cardiac  diseases.  The  most  important  requisite  in  the  treat- 
ment is  its  early  application,  as  most  of  the  diseases  can  be  cured  if 
treatment  is  bestowed  in  time,  and  hence  it  behooves  every  one  who 
feels  some  abnormal  action  or  uneasiness  about  the  heart  to  engage 
treatment,  or  seek  competent  medical  aid  as  soon  as  possible.  Those 
who  desire  to  consult  me  are  referred  to  page  390.  My  experience  i^n 
the  treatment  of  heart  diseases  has  been  in  extent  second  to  none  in  this 
country,  and  the  success  has  been  most  gratifying.  ^ 


DISEASES   OP   THE   BLOOD-VESSELS. 

Arteritis. 

Inflammation  of  the  arteries  is  rare  in  the  acute  form.  The  symp- 
toms are  pain  and  tenderness  along  the  course  of  the  vessel,  attended 
with  a  thrill  or  throbbing.  Lymph  is  effused  within  the  vessel,  often 
producing  a  complete  arrest  of  the  circulation,  and  resultiug  ia  gan- 
grene. It  is  highly  probable  that  ia  spontaneous  senile  gangrene  the 
cause  is  arteritis.  Chronic  arteritis  is  more  common,  but  difficult  to 
discover.  Deposits  occur  in  the  arteries,  exciting  ulceration,  or  ossifica- 
tion may  occur  in  old  age. 

TuEATMKNT. — Give  a  mild  purge,  a  hot  bath,  and  sufficient  veratrum 
to  control  the  circulation.  The  inflamed  part  should  be  fomented,  blis- 
tered, or  stimulating  liniments  and  counter-irritation  may  be  appUed. 
The  alteratives  are  always  indicated. 

Aneurism. 

This  is  a  pulsating  sac,  filled  with  blood,  which  communicates  with 
an  artery.  True  aneurism  consists  of  a  sac  formed  by  one  or  more  of 
the  arterial  coats.     False  aneurism  is  owing  to  a  complete  division  of 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  285 

the  arfcerla^  coats,  either  from  a  wound  or  external  ulceration ;  the  sac 
formed  of  cellular  tissue.  Every  artery  may  be  affected  with  any 
aneurism,  Lat  the  aorta,  carotids,  axUlary,  brachial,  iliacs,  femorals, 
and  popliteals  are  the  arteries  most  commonly  affected.  The  tumor  at 
finst  is  small,  gradually  increasing-,  soft  and  quite  compressible,  being 
filled  only  with  Huid  blood.  It  pulsates  synchronously  with  the  heart, 
and  is  increased  by  jiressure  on  the  side  furthest  from  the  heart.  A 
peculiar  thrill  is  imparted  to  the  hand,  and  which  can  be  heard  if  the 
ear  is  applied.  The  strength  of  the  part  is  much  impaired  as  the  tiimor 
enlarges,  and  the  circulation  in  the  extremity  weaker.  During  the 
progress  of  the  tumor  the  adjacent  parts  are  displaced  and  absorbed, 
even  bone  is  rendered  carious  and  absorbed  by  constant  pressure  of  the 
aneurism.  The  pain  and  numbness  increase,  and  the  general  health 
fails,  and  at  length  the  tumor  may  burst,  oi^ening  upon  the  skin  or  some 
internal  cavity,  and  i^rovQ  fatal. 

Tkeatment. — Complete  rest,  and  the  frequent  application  of  hot- 
packs  to  the  tumor  should  at  first  be  jirescribed.  A  stimulating  lini- 
ment may  be  rubbed  over  the  part.  One  composed  of  the  compound 
tincture  of  myrrh  and  the  oil  of  origanum  answers  the  purpose  well. 
The  "  Herbal  Ointment"  is  an  excellent  application.  The  gentle  appli- 
cation of  electro-galvanism  should  be  resorted  to  if  the  above  treatment 
does  not  suffice.  Pressure  by  well-secured  pads,  or  by  the  thumbs  and 
fingers,  continued  for  a  long  time,  is  often  tried  and  successful  in  some 
cases.  If  the  above  treatment  fails,  some  competent  surgeon  should  be 
consulted,  who  wiU  in  laracticable  cases  ligate  the  artery.  Valsalva  had 
a  curious  plan  of  treatment  for  aneurism.  It  consisted  of  repeated  blood- 
letting, with  food  enough  merely  to  support  life.  A  cure  worse  than 
the  disease. 

Phlebitis  and  Varicose  Veins. 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  veins.  The  signs  are  pain  and  tender- 
ness in  the  course  of  the  vessel,  which  soon  becomes  cord-like  and 
knotted,  by  which  it  may  be  distinguished  from  arteritis.  There  are 
swelling  and  redness  of  the  adjacent  parts,  the  redness  being  in  streaks. 
The  limb  below  the  part  is  swollen,  from  obstruction  of  the  circulation 
and  effusion  of  serum.  Pus  is  a  frequent  production  of  phlebitis,  in 
which  case  perfect  occlusion  of  the  vein  above  occurs,  with  the  forma- 
tion of  an  abscess,  or  the  pus  passes  into  the  heart  and  produces 
excessive  prostration.  Varicose  veins  are  the  sequel  generally  to 
phlebitis. 

Treatsient. — The  treatment  consists  in  fomentations,  leeching,  and 
occasional  purging.  The  alteratives  should  also  be  given.  The  topical 
application  of  tinctures  of  lobelia  and  arnica  are  also  useful.  Rest  is 
enioined.     The  abscesses  and  consequent  ulceration  should  be  treated 


286 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


upon  general  principles.      If   the  veins   become  varicosed,   astringent 
applications,  and  careful  baudaginj^,  shoiUd  be  resorted  to. 

The  best  method  of  curing  varicose  veins,  however,  is  by  elastic 
stocking's.  These  give  an  equable  pressure,  which  can  be  so  regulated 
as  to  afford  any  compression  desired,  on  every  part  of  the  leg  where 
the  varicose  veins  exist.  If  the  veins  are  varicosed  throughout  the 
whole  length  of  the  limb,  the  full-length  stocking  should  be  worn  ;  if 
confined  only  to  the  leg,  the  stocking  represented  on  the  right-hand 
side  of  the  cut  is  alone  necessary,  and  in  some  cases  the  knee-caps  and 
anklets  are  only  required,  depending  upon  the  situation  of  the  varicose 

veins.  These  elastic 
contrivances  are  not 
only  radical  cures, 
but  patients  suffering 
from  varicose  veins 
have  no  idea  what 
ease  and  comfort 
they  afford.  They 
give  a  very  agreeable 
support  to  the  limb, 
prevent  varicose  uj- 
cers,  besides  quickly 
reducing  the  enlarged 
Elastic  Storkincrs,  Knee-Caps  and  Anklets.  veins   tO  natural   size. 

Measurement  :— Size  of  aukle,  calf  and  knee.  They  are  made  of  the 
best  silk,  are  very  durable,  and  not  so  expensive  as  not  to  be  afforded  by 
the  poorest  sufferer.  All  those  desiring  these  admirable  contrivances 
are  requested  to  correspond  with  the  author ; — preliminary  correspond- 
ence as  to  size,  measurement,  etc.,  is  in  all  cases  essential  to  secure 
that  perfect  adaptation  which  is  indisi:)ensably  necessary  in  order  to 
afford  relief  and  cure.  Great  harm  is  done  if  the  elastic  appliance  is 
not  eligible  in  every  respect,  and  therefore  patients  should  hesitate 
before  purchasing  those  inferior,  half  cotton  articles,  which  are  pur- 
chasable everywhere ;  they  do  not  fulfil  the  conditions  reciuired  of 
them,  and  are  capable  of  doing  great  injury,  owing  to  the  unequal 
compression  they  afford.     Prices  as  above. 

Milk  Leo  (Phlegmasia  Dolens). 

This  is  caused  by  inflammation  of  the  crural  veins,  hence  called 
crural  phlehitis.  The  inflammation  is  owing  to  the  pressure  of  the 
gravid  womb.  The  popular  idea  that  in  this  disease  the  woman's  milk 
has  fallen  into  her  leg,  and  which  has  inflamed,  is  absurd.  The  disease 
begins  h\  from  two  to  seven  weeks  after  delivery,  with  ))ain  in  the  lower 
bowel,  groin,  or  thigh.     In  several  days  the  pain  dimmishes,  and  the 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  287 

limb  bepiins  to  swell,  in  the  calf  first  most  frequently,  and  from  thence 
extending  upward.  The  skin  becomes  entirely  white,  smooth,  and 
glossy,  does  not  pit  when  pressed,  is  painful  to  the  touch,  and  is  hotter 
than  the  skin  of  the  other  limb.     Fever  is  always  present. 

Tkkatment. — The  patient  should  lie  upon  her  back,  with  the  swelled 
limb  placed  upon  pillows,  or  a  bolster,  raised  so  that  the  foot  shall  be 
a  little  higher  than  the  hip,  and  she  should  by  no  means  endeavor  to 
walk  until  the  leg  is  nearly  well.  A  narrow  blister  can  be  applied  along 
the  course  of  the  vein,  and  digitalis  may  be  carefully  administered. 
Take  an  old  flannel  petticoat,  with  the  hem  cut  off,  and  the  gathers  let 
out,  and  dip  it  in  vinegar  and  hot  water,  equal  parts,  wring  it  out,  and 
cover  the  whole  limb  with  it.  A  blanket  or  oiled  silk  may  be  placed 
underneath  to  keep  it  from  wetting  the  bed.  Repeat  this  and  keep  it 
up  for  six  hours,  and  when  it  becomes  tedious  to  the  patient,  it  should 
be  removed,  and  the  limb  bathed  with  warm  sweet  oil,  two  parts,  and 
laudanum,  one  part,  and  then  covered  with  flannel.  In  two  or  three 
hours  return  to  the  hot  water  and  vinegar,  keep  up  for  five  or  six  hours, 
then  resume  the  warm  sweet  oil  and  laudanum,  and  in  this  way  alter- 
nate until  the  inflammation  is  subdued,  or  until  the  calf  of  the  iimb  can 
be  shaken.  The  bowels  should  be  gently  moved,  and  the  diuretics 
administered,  and  in  cases  whei'e  the  inflammation  lasts,  and  the  fever 
is  considerable,  veratrum  should  be  given.  If  recovery  does  not  take 
place  after  the  active  inflammation  has  subsided,  the  limb  should  be 
entirely  enveloped  by  a  spiral  bandage,  or,  what  is  much  better,  the 
full-length  elastic  stocking  represented  on  the  foregoing  page  should  be 
worn.  This  gives  immediate  relief,  reduces  the  leg  to  natural  size,  and 
permits  the  patient  to  exercise  without  any  injurious  results  following. 
Those  desiring  this  indispensable  article  are  requested  to  correspond 
with  the  author. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BLOOD. 

ScuuvY  (Scorbutus). 

This  disease  was  known  to  the  ancients.  The  first  distinct  account 
of  scurvy  is  contained  m  the  history  of  the  Crusades  of  Louis  IX. 
against  the  Saracens  of  Egypt,  during  which  the  French  army  suffered 
greatly  from  it.  Lord  Anson's  voyage,  in  which  more  than  eighty  of 
every  hundred  of  the  original  crews  perished  from  the  disease,  is  fami- 
liar to  every  reader  of  history.  This  disease  illustrates  the  importance 
of  vegetable  food  to  the  human  being,  as  it  is  a  direct  result  of  a  diet 
free  from  vegetable  substances.  It  used  to  be  very  prevalent  in  the 
English  and  American  navies,  but  is  now  obviated  by  the  ration  of  lime- 
juico  in  th«  former,  and  fresh  or  desiccated  vegetables  in  the  latter.    It 


288  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

commences  with  a  feeling  of  langTior,  or  general  debility  and  mental 
despondeixcy  ;  a  sense  of  fatigue  is  experienced  on  the  slightest  exer- 
tion ;  the  face  is  either  pale  or  sallow,  and  presents  an  appearance  of 
puffiness ;  the  gums  are  swollen,  soft,  and  of  a  purplish  color,  and 
bleed  easily  ;  the  breath  becomes  offensive,  and  an  eruption  appears  on 
the  body.  The  mucous  surfaces  frequently  bleed,  the  feet  become 
swollen  and  hard  and  painful,  and  a  disposition  is  e\nnced  to  inflam- 
mation of  a  low  grade  of  the  \iscera,  and  also  to  hemoiThagic  efEusions. 
The  tongue  and  appetite  remain  unaffected,  and  death  is  produced 
either  by  debiiity  or  hemon-hage— the  intellect  remaining  sound  to  the 
last. 

Treatment. — Nothing  will  avail  in  the  absence  of  fresh  vegetable 
food,  and  hence  the  chief  treatment  consists  in  giving  vegetable  food,  or 
the  vegetable  acid,  as  citric  acid  or  lemon-juice.  Cabbage  and  potatoes 
are  excellent,  aud  milk  is  a  good  article  of  diet.  If  fresh  vegetables 
cannot  be  obtained,  dried  fmits  should  be  substituted.  If  the  disease 
has  advanced,  and  there  is  sponginess  of  the  gums,  myricin,  rhusin, 
and  hydrastin  may  be  given  in  combination  with  capsicum  and  cream. 
If  active  hemorrhage  occurs,  the  oils  of  turijentine,  solidago,  and  mecca 
oil  may  be  used  to  advantage.  If  chronic  blood  derangement  folld^vs, 
as  is  often  the  case,  the  alteratives  should  be  given,  of  which  ^py 
"  Blood  Purifier  "  (see  page  409)  is  the  best. 

HEMOERHAGES. 
Bleedestg  from  the  Nose  (Epistaxis). 

There  is  no  part  of  the  body  more  disposed  to  hemorrhage  than  the 
mucous  membrane  of  the  nose.  The  blood  effused  through  this  mem- 
brane escapes  generally  through  the  nostrils,  but  may  enter  the  mouth 
through  the  i^osterior  nares.  It  is  often  symptomatic  of  diseases  of  the 
liver,  spleen,  and  other  organs,  aud  generally  attends  the  last  stages  of 
malignant  and  low  fevers.  It  may  be  slight  or  dangerously  profuse. 
In  plethoric  or  robust  patients  it  constitutes  often  a  means  of  relief  to 
the  vascular  system. 

Treatment. — When  it  becomes  necessary  to  check  the  hemorrhage, 
the  patient  should  be  placed  in  a  cool  room,  the  head  elevated  or  held 
upright,  and  the  feet  plunged  in  warm  water  containing  mustard. 
The  neck  should  be  bared,  and  cold  water  aspersed  over  it  and  the  face. 
Lemonade  and  cooling  drinks  may  also  be  given.  When  it  becomes 
habitual,  or  periodic,  and  especially  if  it  be  vicarious  of  menstruation, 
it  may  be  anticipated  by  local  depletiou  on  the  nape  of  the  nock.  In 
the  passive  states  of  the  disease,  the  astringents  should  be  injected 
into  the  nose.     Tannin,  matico,  Monsers  solution,  etc.,  are  the  best. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  283 

If  it  will  not  stop,  the  nostrils  should  be  plugged  both  anteriorly  and 
posteriorly. 

HEMOPTYSIS. 

This  is  a  hemorrhage  from  the  respiratory  organs.  The  blood  that 
is  expectorated  comes  from  three  different  sources.  It  may  come  from 
the  mucous  membrane  of  the  bronchial  tubes,  from  a  vessel  ulcerated 
in  a  tuberculous  cavity  as  in  consumption,  and  from  an  aneurism  of  the 
aorta,  or  from  the  large  trunks  arising  from  it,  in  which  case  it  soon 
proves  fatal.  Some  cases  depend  on  suppression  of  the  menses,  and 
are  habitual  and  not  dangerous,  but  in  the  majority  of  cases  it  is  caused 
by  disease  of  the  heart,  or  consequent  to  irritation  of  tubercles.  It 
may  be  simple,  the  blood  being  all  spit  up,  or  it  may  be  attended  by  an 
infiltration  of  blood  into  the  minute  tubes  and  air  cells,  rendering  a 
portion  of  the  lung  solid.  The  symptoms  are  some  degree  of  pain  or 
oppression  at  the  chest,  with  cough,  which  brings  up  mouthfuls  of 
blood,  fluid  or  clotted.  The  quantity  may  vary  from  a  tea-spoonful  to 
several  pints,  so  that  the  patient  may  be  suffocated  by  the  abundance 
of  the  blood. 

Treatment. — A  free  current  of  air  should  be  allowed  to  pass  over  the 
patient,  his  covering  should  be  light,  and  a  mild  purge  should  be  given 
to  him.  The  feet  should  be  placed  in  hot  water.  If  dependent  upon 
derangement  of  the  menses,  the  sitz-bath  (hot)  should  be  ordered,  and 
matico  or  other  astringents  be  given.  Or  it  may  be  arrested  by  putting 
one  drachm  of  the  oil  of  origanum  in  a  pint  bottle,  and  allow  the  patient 
to  inhale  the  vapor.  If  matico,  tannin,  or  other  vegetable  astringents 
are  not  at  hand,  common  salt,  acetate  of  lead,  sulphuric  acid,  and  alum 
may  be  used  in  case  of  emergency.  Small  doses  of  digitalis  should  be 
given  to  control  the  circulation. 

H.'EMATEMESIS. 

This  is  hemorrhage  from  the  stomach.  Whatever  irritates  the  mucous 
surface  of  the  stomach,  or  iuterrupts  the  return  of  blood  from  that 
organ  is  liable  to  cause  this  disease.  Blows  and  injuries  received  by  the 
abdomen,  violent  concussions  of  the  trunk,  pressure,  intemperance, 
worms,  powerfiil  emetics,  suppression  of  menstrual  discharge,  appli- 
cation of  cold,  or  of  cold  and  moisture  to  the  lower  extremities 
during  perspiration,  or  the  catamenial  flow,  prolonged  constipation  and 
pregnancy,  are  all  liable  to  cause  it.  The  blood  is  usually  vomited 
profusely,  is  sometimes  mixed  with  food,  and  generally  of  dark  color. 
The  jjremonitory  symptoms  are  pain  or  tension  about  the  stomach, 
.with  faiutness  or  a  sense  of  sinking,  or  of  anxiety  at  this  region,  flatu- 
lent or  acrid  eructations,  lassitude  with  irregular  chills  and  flushes  ot 
heat. 

13  T 


290  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

Treatmenj. — Apply  ice  to  the  region  of  the  stomach,  and  orive  a  full 
dose  of  the  oil  of  turpentine  conjoined  with  castor  oil,  to  be  repeated 
if  rejected.  Administer  the  astringents,  ia  all  cases  the  vegetable,  but 
if  not  at  hand,  acetate  of  lead,  creasote,  tincture  of  iron,  alum  whey, 
sulphuric  acid,  etc.,  can  be  given.  During  the  discharge  total  absti- 
nence is  to  be  observed,  but  afterwards,  mild  mucilaginous  drinks  and 
farinaceous  food  in  small  quantity  may  be  given,  and  the  transition  tn 
solid  and  more  nutritious  food  should  be  carefully  conducted. 

HiEMATURIA. 

The  source  of  the  blood  voided  through  the  urethra  may  be  either 
from  the  kidney,  bladder,  or  urethra.  When  it  proceeds  from  the 
kidneys,  it  is  attended  with  a  sense  o.f  heat  and  pain  in  the  loins,  and 
sometimes  with  coldness  of  the  extremities,  and  the  blood  is  intimately 
mixed  with  the  urine.  "WTien  the  disease  is  in  the  ureters,  there  is  a 
sense  of  pain  in  their  course,  and  fibrous  shreds  having  the  shape  of  the 
ureters  are  voided.  When  the  hemorrhage  is  from  the  bladder,  it  is 
usually  preceded  by  heaviness  and  tension  in  that  region,  extending  to 
the  perineum,  groins,  and  small  of  back  ;  the  urine  is  passed  with  diffi- 
culty ;  the  blood  is  little,  if  at  all,  combined  with  the  urine.  If  ":^rom 
the  urethra,  the  blood  is  red,  liquid  and  i^ure,  and  comes  away  generally 
droji  by  drop. 

Treatment. — This  depends  upon  its  seat  and  cause.  If  from  the 
kidneys,  the  oils  of  origanum,  copaiba,  cubebs  and  turpentine  should  be 
administered,  and  hot  packs  applied  externally.  If  the  urine  is  alkaline, 
as  in  typhus  fever  and  scurvy,  the  acids  should  be  given.  If  from  the 
bladder  or  urethra,  matico  or  other  vegetable  astringents  should  be 
injected.  The  avoidance  of  stimulants  and  absolute  rest  should  be 
insisted  on  in  every  case. 

Dropsies. 

If  in  man  a  large  venous  trunk  is  compressed  or  obliterated,  so  that 
the  blood  no  longer  circulates  through  it,  while  the  collateral  vessels 
can  relieve  but  imperfectly,  dropsical  effusion  is  sure  to  t;ike  place. 
The  effusion  is  proportionate  to  the  size  and  importance  of  the  vein 
obliterated.  If,  for  instance,  in  the  vena  cava,  or  large  vein  in  the 
abdomen,  an  obstacle  should  prevent  the  return  of  the  blood,  the  two 
lower  extremities  and  the  scrotum  will  become  filled  with  serum.  If 
the  trunk  of  the  portal  vein  is  more  or  less  obUterated,  the  serous  col- 
lection takes  place  in  the  abdomen.  If  the  obstruction  occurs  at  the 
very  centre  of  circulation,  namely  the  heart,  and  the  return  of  blood 
everywhere  embaiTassed.  the  drojjsy  becomes  general ;  hence  dropsy  is 
one  of  the  most  common  symptoms  of  heart  diseases.  Dropsy  is  often 
caused  by  cold,  applied  in  such  a  manner  as  to  check  the  sccrctiorw  of 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  291 

the  skin  ;  is  often  connected  with  eruptive  diseases,  as  scarlatina ;  it 
may  result  from  granular  degeneration  of  the  kidneys,  debility,  exhaus- 
tion from  loss  of  blood,  etc.  ;  or  from  obstruction  to  the  return  of 
venous  blood,  owing  to  tumors,  hypertrophy  of  the  liver,  glandular 
enlargements,  etc. 

Bright's  Disease  of  the  Kidney. 

This  is  a  dropsy  owing  to  a  disease  of  the  kidneys.  Dr.  Bright,  of 
England,  first  pointed  out,  1827,  the  frequent  connection  which  exists 
between  dropsy  and  what  has  since  been  called  granular  degeneration 
of  the  kidneys,  or  "  Bright's  Disease."  This  state  of  the  kidneys  is  not 
an  inflammation,  but  a  slow  degeneration  of  its  structure,  commencing 
by  an  abnormal  deposit  of  fat  in  the  cells  lining  the  httle  tubes  iu  the 
kidneys.  It  is  a  degeneration  similar  to  the  tubercular  deposit,  or  the 
fatty  liver  common  in  consumjition,  and  may  properly  receive  the  name 
of  fatty  kidney.  It  is  a  slow,  insidious  disease,  beginning  generally 
much  further  back  than  the  patient  is  aware  of.  By  degrees  the  tubes 
of  the  kidneys  become  blocked  up  with  excessive  fatty  dejiosits  ;  the 
result  of  this  is,  that  the  tubes  become  dilated,  so  as  to  press  on  the 
network  of  the  portal  veins  which  surroimd  them.  The  veins  being 
thus  compressed,  the  capillaries  which  open  into  them  are  unable  to 
discharge  their  contents,  and  so  become  distended  with  blood,  and 
either  aUow  serum  to  exude  from  their  walls,  or  else  bui-st  and  admit 
the  escape  of  red  particles  and  fibrine.  This  may  be  illustrated  in  a 
familiar  way.  If  the  mouth  of  all  the  little  brooklets  that  flow  into  a 
brook  be  effectively  dammed  up,  bo  that  the  brook  received  none  of 
their  supply,  the  brooklets  by  constant  accession  would  naturally  over- 
flow their  banks  and  inundate  the  adjacent  land,  and  the  brook  go  dry. 
So  as  the  accumulation  of  the  fat  goes  on,  the  portal  networks  of  veins 
and  the  uriniferous  tubes  waste  away  or  become  atrophied,  and  hence 
shrinking  of  the  Iddney  and  deficiency  of  the  kidney  ensue.  Albumen 
is  always  present  in  the  urine  in  this  disease  This  can  be  discovered 
by  boiling  the  urine  in  a  small  tube,  the  albumen  becoming  like  the 
white  of  an  egg  boiled.  Urea,  a  natural  constituent  of  the  urine,  is 
deficient. 

The  syinptoms  in  the  first  stage  are  weakness  and  dyspepsia,  and  the 
blood  loses  its  red  particles  very  rapidly,  but  there  is  little  to  call 
attention  to  the  kidneys.  In  the  second  stage  the  symptoms  are  a 
pallid,  pasty  complexion,  a  dry  hard  skin,  drowsiness,  weakness,  indi- 
gestion, and  fi'equent  nausea,  often  retching  the  first  thing  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  palpitation  of  the  heart.  A  most  characteristic  symptom  is 
that  the  patient  is  awakened  several  times  in  the  night  with  desire  to 
make  water.  In  the  third  .stage,  if  the  patient  is  exposed  to  cold,  the 
kidney  becomes  congested  ;  anasai'ca  or  general  diopsy  with  perhaps 


292  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

ascites,  makes  its  appearance  ;  debility  increases,  the  urinary  secretion 
becomes  more  inefficient,  urea  and  other  excrementitious  matter  accu- 
mulate in  the  blood ;  a  drowsiness  and  coma,  signs  of  effusion  of  blood, 
are  sure  precursors  of  death.  It  is  caused  by  intemperance,  privation 
of  air  and  light,  and  neglect  of  proper  exercise  ;  frequent  exposure  to 
cold,  and  the  other  causes  of  scrofula  and  consumption. 

Treatment. — This  is  one  of  those  harassing  complaints  which  phy- 
sicians in  family  practice  seldom  have  the  patience  to  investigate  and 
manage  with  sufficient  care. 

The  condition  of  the  stomach,  bowels  and  skin  should  receive  especial 
attention.  Free  action  of  the  skin  should  be  maintained,  as  in  thia 
way  the  kidneys  are  relieved  and  the  blood  purified.  Stimulating 
diuretics  should  not  be  used.  Mecca  oU,  tonic  teas,  etc. ,  may  be  given. 
There  is  no  better  specific  agent  than  helonin,  from  three  to  ten  grains 
a  day.  Eupurpurin  and  popului  may  also  be  given  with  good  effect. 
Vapor  baths  are  beneficial,  and  counter-irritation  should  be  made  over 
the  region  of  the  kidneys. 

It  is  my  confident  belief  that  this  grave  disease  can  be  cured  in 
nearly  every  instance  if  not  too  far  advanced.  I  am  induced  to  such 
a  belief  by  the  success  that  attends  my  treatment.  I  should  be  h^ppy 
to  correspond  with  any  one  of  my  readers  who  may  suspect  this  affec- 
tion, and  shall  cheerfully  analyze  any  iirine  that  may  be  sent  to  me  for 
that  purpose,  as  in  my  laboratory  there  are  all  conveniences  for  that  pur- 
pose. (See  page  390).  For  those  under  my  treatment  the  analyses  are 
gratuitously  made,  but  to  others  a  fee  of  $5  must  in  all  instances  be 
remitted. 

Ascites. 

This  is  a  collection  of  water  in  the  belly,  though  sometimes  the  fluid 
is  outside  of  the  peritoneum  and  next  to  the  muscles.  There  is  a  sense 
of  distension  and  weight,  especially  on  the  side  on  which  the  patient  lies. 
When  the  collection  is  large,  the  breathing  becomes  short  and  difficult, 
and  the  swelling  is  uniform  over  the  whole  abdomen.  In  some  instances 
the  fluctuation  may  be  heard  when  the  patient  moves  about.  This 
sound  distinguishes  this  complaint  from  pregnancy  or  peritonitis.  There 
arc  generally  loss  of  appetite,  dry  skin,  costiveness,  scanty  urine,  ojspres- 
Hion  of  the  chest,  cough,  colic  pains,  and  variable  pulse.  A  frequent 
cause  of  this  complauit  is  chronic  inflamm.-ition  of  the  peritoneum  ;  it 
is  also  produced  by  scarlet  fever,  hob-nailed  liver,  and  other  diseases  of 
that  organ — in  short,  whatever  obstnicts  the  portal  circulation. 

Treatment.— The  remedies  for  this  disease  are  mainly  diuretics 
and  purgatives.  Digitalis  is  an  excellent  remedy,  but  sliould  be  cau- 
tiously administered.  The  patient  should  have  as  a  constant  drink  an 
infusion  of  two  parts  of  hair-cap  moss,  and  one  each  of  juniper  berries 
and  dwarf -elder  bark  ;  also  an  infusion  of  queen  of  the  meadow.     The 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  293 

purgatives  that  produce  watery  stools,  such  as  elaterium,  should  be 
given.  The  compound  infusion  of  parsley  is  about  the  best  agent  to 
promote  the  absorption  of  the  fluid.  The  skin  should  be  kept  well 
open,  and  the  strictest  temperance  both  in  eating  and  drinking  must 
also  be  observed.  If  aU  medicinal  treatment  fails,  the  surgeon  should 
be  called,  who  will  perform  jmracentesis  abdominis^  or  tapping  the 
abdomen ;  but  this  should  be  deferred  until  all  other  means  have  failed. 

Hydrothorax. 

This  is  a  dropsy  of  the  pleura,  rarely  existing  as  an  independent 
affection,  but  generally  associated  with  a  general  dropsical  condition  of 
the  system.  It  is  particularly  liable  to  be  connected  with  organic  heart 
disease.  When  the  effusion  is  slight,  only  a  slight  uneasiness  is  felt  in 
the  lower  part  of  the  chest,  but  as  it  increases,  the  patient  suffer.s 
uneasiness  in  assuming  the  recumbent  posture,  a  cough  and  difficulty  of 
breathing  being  the  result.  The  latter  often  becomes  very  severe,  the 
face  swells,  the  cheeks  assume  a  purple  and  the  lips  a  livid  hue,  the 
skin  is  dry,  urine  scanty,  bowels  constipated,  thirst,  and  more  or  less 
mental  excitement  ensues. 

Treatment. — If  owing  to  heart  disease,  that  affection  should  receive 
special  attention.  The  fluid  may  be  evacuated  by  means  of  small  doses 
of  elaterium  and  podophyllum,  followed  by  a  free  use  of  chimaphila, 
galium  aparine,  and  aralia  hispida.  Other  diuretics  may  also  be  used, 
and  the  general  rules  of  treatment  observed  as  advised  in  Ascites. 

Dropsy  op  the  Heart. 

This  consists  of  a  collection  of  fluid  within  the  pericardium.  There 
is  a  feeling  of  uneasiness,  or  pressure  in  the  cardiac  region,  a  slight 
cough,  diflBcult  and  irregular  respiration,  faintness,  disinclination  to  lie 
down,  a  feeble  pulse,  capricious  appetite,  disturbed  sleeji  and  delirium. 
If  there  is  stupor,  cold  extremities,  the  perspiration  clammy,  and  the 
action  of  the  heart  very  much  disordered,  it  usually  proves  fatal. 

Treatment. — Same  as  for  Hydrothorax.  Tapping  may  become 
necessary  in  both  cases. 

Dropsy  op  the  Ovaries. 

This  consists  of  an  accumulation  of  fluid  in  one  or  more  cells  within 
the  ovary,  or  in  a  serous  cyst  connected  with  the  uterine  appendages. 
The  ovary  loses  its  original  form  and  structure,  and  frequently  attains 
an  immense  size,  containing  several  gallons  of  water.  The  effusion 
sadly  interferes  with  respiration,  and  it  causes  exhaustion  and  often 
peritonitis.  The  serum  may  exist  within  the  cavity  of  the  abdomen, 
or  be  confined  within  the  cystic  tumor.  As  the  tumor  enlarges,  it 
ascends  the  pelvis  and  occupies  more  and  more  of  the  abdominal  cavity, 


294  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

and  may  float  loosely  in  the  fluid  within  it,  and  form  adhesions  to  the 
peritoneum,  omentum,  or  neighboring  viscera. 

Treatment.  Galvanism  is  often  very  successful.  The  current 
should  be  passed  through  the  tumor,  and  be  as  sti-ong  as  the  patient 
can  bear  it,  and  should  be  passed  in  all  directions  for  half  an  hour 
several  times  a  day.  The  hydragogue  cathartics  and  diuretics  should 
also  be  given,  and  the  alteratives  administered.  The  strength  of  the 
patient  should  be  weU  supported. 

This  disease  is  curable  by  medicinal  treatment  alone  in  its  early 
stages  if  propei'ly  treated,  but  may  become  so  far  advanced  under 
improper  management,  that  tapping  becomes  necessary,  or,  if  the 
patient's  strength  will  allow,  the  removal  of  the  whole  tumor. 

The  author  would  be  pleased  to  correspond  with  any  lady  suffering 
from  this  serious  disease. 

Dkopsy  of  the  Scrotum  (Hydrocele). 

This  is  a  collection  of  water  in  the  membrane  which  surrounds  the 
testicles.  It  is  often  caused  by  rheumatism,  gout,  scrofula,  €tc.  In 
some  cases  the  accumulation  is  very  large.  It  may  be  distuigui's)ied 
from  scrotal  hernia  by  pressing  the  tumor  towards  the  anus ;  i|  it 
bounds  rapidly  forward  it  is  hydrocele. 

Treatment. — The  following  is  excellent.  Take  queen  of  the 
meadow,  one  ounce  ;  colt's  foot,  one-fourth  pound ;  yellow  parilla, 
one-fourth  pound.  Make  one  quart  of  decoction  or  syrup,  and  take  one 
table-spoonful  three  times  a  day.  A  suspensory  bandage  should  be 
worn.  These  can  be  had  from  me  at  reasonable  prices.  In  some  cases 
the  scrotum  must  be  tapped,  and  the  vinous  tincture  of  hemlock  bark  in- 
jected to  prevent  the  return  of  the  effusions. 

I  have  under  my  treatment  at  all  times  many  dropsical  patients,  and 
if  received  under  my  care  at  a  reasonable  early  stage,  no  necessity  for 
tapping  arises,  and  th3  patient  is  cured  by  medicinal  treatment  alone. 
Any  one  desirous  of  consulting  me,  may  refer  to  page  390  for  the  neces- 
sary question  to  be  answered. 


ANATOMY  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS. 

Kidneys. 

The  kidneys  are  two  hard  glands  for  the  secretion  of  urine,  placed  in 
each  lumbar  region,  just  above  the  hips;  they  are  outside  of  the  perito- 
neum, or  lining  membrane  of  the  abdomen,  and  surrounded  with  an 
abundance  of  fat.  The  right  kidney  is  rather  lower  than  the  left,  on. 
account  of  the  superposition  of  the  liver.     The  length  is  about  four  in- 


THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 


295 


ches,  and  the  breadth  two  inches.  The  shape  is  oval,  resembling  a 
bean  ;  the  position  upright,  and  the  fissure  (or  Mlum)  is  directed  to  the 
spinal  column.  The  upper  end  of  the  kidney  is  rather  larger  than  the 
lower.  It  is  covered  by  a  strong  fihvoii^  capsule.  The  color  is  a  reddish 
brown.  Upon  making  a  longitudinal  sec- 
tion of  the  kidney,  as  represented  in  cut, 
two  different  structures  are  presented.  The 
internal  is  of  a  darker  color,  and  consists  of 
about  fifteen  of  what  are  called  the  cones 
of  Malfdghi^^  which  are  arranged  in  three 
rows,  the  apex  of  each  converging  towards 
the  hilum.  This  constitutes  the  medullary 
portion  of  the  kidneys.  ■  The  external 
structure  is  of  lighter  color  usually,  is  ex- 
tremely vascular,  and  of  a  granulated  ar- 
rangement ;  it  constitutes  the  cortical  por- 
tion. The  urine  is  formed  in  the  tortuous 
tubes  of  the  cortical  substance,^  between 
whose  walls  are  a  number  of  small  bodies 
called  corpuscles  of  MalpigJii.  At  the  apex 
of  each  cone  is  the  papilla  renalis,  and  iu  the 
centre  of  each  papilla  is  a  slight  depression, 
called  foveola.  Each  papilla  is  surrounded 
by  a  small  membranous  cup,  called  infimdibulum*  into  which  the  urine 
is  first  received  as  it  oozes  from  the  orifices  of  the  papillas.  Four  or 
five  of  these  infundibula  join  to  form  a  common  trunk,  called  calyx,^  and 
the  junction  of  about  three  calyces  forms  a  common  cavity,  called  the 
pelvis,^  which  is  conoidal  in  shape,  and  from  which  proceeds  the  ureter,' 
the  excretory  tube  of  the  kidney,  which  conveys  the  urine  to  the  blad- 
der. The  ureter  is  a  cylindrical  tube  of  the  size  of  a  quUl,  with  thin, 
extensible  walls.  It  enters  the  inferior  fundus  of  the  bladder  very 
obliquely,  and  opens  by  a  very  small  orifice. 

Just  above  the  kidney,  and  reposmg  on  its  upper  extremity,  placed 
one  on  each  side,  are  two  small  bodies,  varying  much  in  size,  called  the 
supra-renal  caj)sules}  They  have  no  secretion,  consequently  no  duct, 
but  evidently  perform  important  functions  in  foetal  life,  when  they  aro 
much  larger. 


The  Kidney. 


Bladder. 

The  bladder  is  a  musculo-membranous  sac  for  the  reception  of  urine. 
It  is  situated  in  the  cavity  of  the  pelvis,  behind  the  pubic  bones,  and  in 
front  of  the  rectum  in  the  male,  but  in  the  female  the  uterus  and  vagina 
are  between  the  rectum  and  bladder.  In  shape  the  bladder  is  oval,  the 
larger  end  being  downwards  ;  in  women  it  is  more  spheroidal ;  in  chil- 


296  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

dren  it  is  pear-shaped.     It  is  divided  into  a  superior  and  valeTioT  fundus, 
a  body,  and  neck. 

Its  dimensions  vary  with  health  and  disease.  Ordinarily  it  will  hold 
about  a  pint.  At  the  neck  of  the  bladder  is  a  circular  muscle,  called 
the  sjihincter,  which,  in  a  state  of  contraction,  retains  the  urine  in  the 
bladder  imtil  the  necessity  to  voiding  it  arises.  The  urethra  is  described 
under  anatomy  of  the  sexual  organs. 


DISEASES   OF   THE   URINARY  ORGANS. 

Nephkitis. 

This  is  inflammation  of  the  kidneys,  and  which  may  occur  either  in  its 
Bubstance,  its  lining  membrane,  or  in  its  capsule.  The  symptoms  are 
deep-seated  pain  in  the  small  of  the  back,  extending  down  the  groins  in 
one  or  both  sides,  increased  by  pressure ;  urination  either  increased  or 
diminished,  urine  scanty  and  high-colored,  and  mixed  with  blood  or 
gravelly  matters.  If  both  kidneys  are  affected  the  urine  may  be  sup- 
pressed, and  comatose  symptoms  present  themselves.  Chills,  fever,,  de- 
ranged stomach,  and  constipation  nearly  always  attend  it.  The  testicle 
is  retracted,  which  distinguishes  this  disease  from  lumbago,  etc.  It 
runs  very  rapidly  into  suppuration,  the  sign  of  which  is  the  appearance 
of  pios  in  the  urine. 

Treatment. — The  disease  should  be  controlled  by  the  use  of  hot 
packs,  vapor  baths,  lobelia  emetics,  mild  purges,  and  the  internal  admin- 
istration of  aconite  and  veratrum.  The  mucilaginous  drinks  should  be 
drunk,  and  the  opiates  given  if  the  pain  is  very  severe.  In  chronic 
nephritis,  where  there  is  debility  of  the  organ,  the  best  remedies  are 
turpentine,  copaiba,  buchu,  uva  ursi,  pareira  brava,  and  pipsissewa. 

Diuresis. 

This  is  the  diabetes  insipidus  of  some  writers.  By  this  term  is  under- 
stood the  excessive  secretion  of  pale,  Mmpid  urine,  without  sugar. 
The  principal  symptoms  are  insatiable  thirst  and  the  elimination  of  a 
large  quantity  of  urine.  These  symptoms  are  usually  preceded  "by  a 
variable  appetite,  constipation,  and  derangement  of  the  functions  of  the 
skin.  The  copious  flow  of  urine  may  only  be  occasional,  following  over- 
mental  or  physical  excitement.  It  may  be  distinguished  from  diabetes 
incUitu^  by  the  absence  of  sugar  in  the  urine. 

Treat.ment. — The  skin  should  receive  special  attention,  and  excess 
of  drinking  should  be  avoided.  The  constitutional  debihty  should  be 
overcome  with  baths,  and  the  general  tonics ;  apocynin,  from  one-eighth 
to  one-fourth  of  a  grain,  four  or  five  times  a  day,  is  a  specific  for  this 
disease. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  297 

DiABETKS  MeLLITTJS. 

This  is  characterized  by  increase  of  urine,  containing  eugax.  The 
first  indications  of  this  disease  are  languor,  dry,  and  harsh  skin,  intense 
thirst,  pain  in  the  small  of  back,  constipation,  with  alternate  chill  and 
fever.  After  a  time  the  general  health  gives  way,  and  there  are  muscu- 
lar weakness,  loss  of  sexual  power,  pain  in  the  loins,  coldness  of  extrem- 
ities, a  burning  sensation  in  the  hands  and  feet,  loss  of  weight,  and  a 
chloroform  odor  of  breath.  The  gums  become  spongy,  the  teeth  decay, 
the  mind  becomes  depressed  and  irritable,  and  the  appetite  voracious. 
Consumption  is  often  a  sequel  to  this  disease.  The  urine  has  a  sweetish 
taste,  due  to  the  presence  of  sugar,  which  can  readily  be  discovered  by 
adding  yeast  to  the  urine,  which  gives  rise  to  various  fermentation. 

Treatment. — A  healthy  state  of  the  general  system  should  be  main- 
tained by  fresh  air,  frequent  baths,  and  a  generous  diet.  No  saccharine 
or  starchy  articles  of  food  should  be  eaten.  The  bowels  and  liver  should 
be  gently  stimulated  by  small  doses  of  leptandrin  and  leontodin.  Great 
success  is  obtained  by  the  use  of  unicorn  root.  Mecca  oil  has  also  been 
successfully  employed  in  this  disease. 

Diabetic  patients  who  may  desire  the  author  to  treat  them,  may  con- 
sult him  as  directed  on  page  310. 

Gravel  (Lithiasis). 

This  disorder  consists  in  the  deposition  from  the  urine,  within  the 
body,  of  an  insoluble  sand-like  matter.  In  health  the  urine  carries  off 
the  results  of  the  waste  and  disintegration  of  the  tissues  in  a  soluble 
state,  but  when  these  matters  are  in  excess  the  urine  frequently  deposits 
them  after  being  voided,  on  cooling.  This  often  occurs  after  irregulari- 
ties of  diet,  without  actually  being  a  morbid  condition,  but  when  the 
accumulation  is  excessive  it  causes  a  serious  disease.  The  graveLs  are 
chemically  either  urates,  lithates,  phosphates,  or  oxalates,  according  to 
the  diathesis  of  the  patient.  The  passage  of  gravel  or  renal  calculi  from 
the  kidneys  to  the  bladder  through  the  ureters,  causes  the  most  excruci- 
ating pain.  When  anything  in  the  bladder,  as  a  mucous  shred  or  a  large 
gravel,  acts  as  a  nucleus,  the  constant  accessions  to  this  nucleus  form 
what  is  known  as  stone  in  the  bladder,  which  may  be  of  various  sizes. 

In  gravel  the  patient  has  a  dull  aching  pain  in  the  back,  attended  with 
urgent  and  frequent  desire  to  urinate,  preceded  by  cutting  or  scalding 
pains  in  the  urethra,  neck  of  bladder,  or  in  the  course  of  the  ureters. 
In  stone  we  have  the  same  symptoms,  but  the  sudden  stoppage  of  the 
stream  during  micturition  is  always  suggestive  of  its  presence  in  the 
bladder,  and  the  patient  has  a  constant  desire  to  relieve  the  pain  by  pull- 
ing at  the  end  of  his  penis. 

Treatment. — Diluents  should  be  freely  used,  and  a  strict  attentiou 
13* 


298  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

paid  to  diet.  Animal  food  should  be  sparingly  eaten,  and  alcoholic 
drinks  totally  avoided.  The  chemical  nature  of  the  grayel  should  be 
ascertained,  and  when  this  is  done  the  chemical  opposites  administered. 
No  treatment  will  avaU,  if  not  in  chemical  opposition  to  the  diathesis  of 
the  patient.  If  medicinal  treatment  is  ineffectual  after  a  stone  has  been 
formed,  the  surgeon  should  be  consulted,  who  will  remove  it  by  an  oper- 
ation caUed  lithotritij  or  another  termed  Utlwiitripsy. 

Unless  the  stone  be  too  large,  my  experience  is  that  solvent  treatment 
will  prove  effectual  in  nearly  every  case.  The  solvent  treatment  consists, 
of  course,  of  such  herbal  agents  as  are  chemically  opposed  to  the  nature 
of  the  calculus.  By  such  a  course  of  medication  my  success  has  been 
most  gratifying. 

Ischuria,  or  Suppression  of  IJRmE. 

This  frequently  attends  inflammatory  diseases,  especially  acute 
nephritis.  It  may  either  arise  from  an  irritation  of  the  kidney  beyond 
the  point  of  secretion,  or  from  a  torpor  or  paralysis  of  the  kidneys.  It 
is  important  to  distinguish  it  from  retention  of  mine.  It  is  sometimes 
very  dangerous,  being  attended  with  vomiting,  drowsiness,  coma  a^d 
convulsions.  A  vicarious  secretion  from  the  skin,  bowels,  etc. ,  is  also 
often  established.  It  is  evidently  due  to  a  sort  of  paralysis  of  the  nerve 
centres. 

Treatment. — Leeches  may  be  placed  over  the  loins,  and  digitalis  or 
squill  administered.  The  demulcent  drinks  shoxild  be  freely  used.  If 
uric  acid  is  in  excess,  some  carbonate  may  be  given.  If  dependent 
upon  torpor,  the  stimulating  diuretics,  as  turpentine,  should  be  used. 
Frequent  hot  sitz -baths  are  also  beneficial. 

Incontinence  op  Urine  (Enuresis). 

This  is  often  associated  with  some  constitutional  weakness.  The 
bladder  may  be  exclusively  irritated  and  not  be  able  to  hold  the  urine, 
or  the  little  circular  muscle  at  the  neck  of  the  bladder  may  be  debili- 
tated or  paralyzed,  o\\'ing  to  acridity  of  the  urine.  In  some  cases  it  may 
be  owing  to  debUity  of  the  kidneys. 

Treatment. — A  course  of  tonics,  sea-bathing,  cold  baths,  warm 
clothing,  etc. ,  together  with  astringents  and  stimulating  diuretics,  wUl 
usually  cure  it.  Small  doses  of  the  extract  of  belladona  will  also  afford 
relief.  In  case  of  paralysis  of  the  bladder,  nux  vomica,  electricity,  coun- 
ter-irritant application  to  the  spine,  and  local  irritants  are  necessary. 

Cystitis. 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  bladder.  The  symptoms  are  pain 
above  the  pubcs,  tenderness  on  pressure,  the  pain  extending  into  the 
penis,  scrotum,  and  perineum,  producing  straiuing  and  pain  in  urination  ; 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  299 

sometimes  pain  over  the  abdomen,  which  is  swollen,  or  the  inflamma- 
tion may  extend  to  the  peritoneum,  causing  peritonitis.  It  may  termi- 
nate in  suppviration,  the  pus  appearing  in  the  urine,  or,  if  the  ^abscess 
occurs  in  the  coats  of  the  bladder,  it  may  open  suddenly.  It  is  caused 
by  direct  irritation  as  by  a  catheter  ;  also  by  gonorrhoea,  difficult  labor, 
turpentine,  cantharides,  etc.  When  the  inflammation  becomes  chronic 
it  is  called  "  Catarrh  of  the  Bladder.'''' 

Treatment. — Mucilaginous  drinks  should  be  freely  used,  such  as  de- 
coctions of  marsh-mallow,  uva  ursi,  etc.  Dover's  powder  may  be  given 
to  relieve  the  pain.  About  three  graias  of  populin  and  one-fourth  of  a 
grain  of  gelsemium  given  three  or  four  times  a  day,  exerts  a  marked  bene- 
ficial influence  in  this  disease  ;  linseed  oil  and  esaential  tincture  of 
hydrangea  are  also  remedies  of  great  value.  The  chronic  form  will 
require  special  treatment,  in  accordance  to  condition  and  nature  of  each 
case. 

ANATOiVrY  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 

The  principal  divisions  of  the  nervous  system  are  the  brain,  spinal 
marrow,  and  nerves.  The  tissue  of  this  system  is  included  in  mem- 
branes or  sheaths,  and  consists  of  two  differently  colored  pulpy  materials, 
one  of  which  is  white  or  medullary.^  and  the  other  gray.,  cortical.,  or 
ciiieritimis.  The  sheath  of  the  nerves  is  called  the  neurilemma.,  and  the 
internal  material  ncurine.  All  ganglia  and  nervous  centres  consist  of  a 
mixture  of  white  fibres  and  gray  globules. 

An  anastomosis  is  the  interchange  of  fasciculi  between  two  trunks, 
each  fasciculus  remaining  unaltered,  although  in  contact  with  another. 
A  combination  of  anastomoses  into  a  network  is  called  a  2)lexus. 

Spinal  Marrow. 

The  spinal  marrow  is  the  medullary  column  included  within  the  bones 
or  vertebraj  of  the  spinal  column.  It  has  three  coverings  :  1st,  The 
dura  mater.,  which  is  a  white  fibrous  membrane,  and  forms  the  external ; 
2d,  The  arachnoid.,  a  serous  membrane,  forming  the  middle  covering. 
It  is  extremely  thin  and  transparent ;  3d,  The  pia  mater.,  a  cellular  mem- 
brane, forming  the  immediate  covering.  It  is  very  vascular,  consisting 
almost  entirely  of  vessels. 

The  Brain. 

The  brain  consists  of  four  principal  parts  :  medulla  oblongata,  pons 
varolii,  cerebrum,  and  cerebellum.  Like  the  spinal  marrow  it  also  has 
three  coverings  bearing  the  same  names.  The  dura  mater  adheres  very 
firmly  to  the  bones  of  the  cranium,  and  consists  of  two  laminae,  which 
are  divided  into  folds  called  falx  cerebri^  tentorium.,  and  falx  corebdli. 


300  THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

The  medulla  oblongata  is  the  upper  part  of  the  spinal  cord  ;  it  is  coni- 
cal in  shape,  and  extends  from  the  first  bone  of  the  spinal  column  to  the 
pons  varolii.  Its  divisions  are  the  corpon  pyramidale^  oUvare  and  resti- 
forme. 

The  pons  varolii  is  cuboidal  in  shape,  and  situated  just  in  front  of  the 
medulla. 

The  cerebrum  is  the  largest  mass  composing  the  brain.  It  is  oval  in 
shape,  and  weighs  from  three  to  four  i^ounds.  It  is  divided  into  two 
hemispheres,  each  hemisphere  consisting  of  an  anterior,  middle,  and 
posterior  lobe.  The  surface  presents  a  number  of  convolutions,  or  gyi% 
each  separated  by  deep  fissures,  or  sulci.  The  interior  of  each  hemi- 
sphere is  medullary  in  character,  and  the  surface  of  each  convolution  is 
cineritious  for  the  depth  of  about  one-sixth  of  an  inch. 

The  ventricles  of  the  brain  are  five  in  number :  they  are  called  the 
right  and  left  lateral,  the  third,  fourth,  and  fifth  ventricles. 

The  more  minute  anatomy  of  the  cerebmm  is  exceeding  complex,  and 
not  of  special  imiiortance  in  a  popular  work  of  this  kind. 

The  cerebellum  constitutes  about  one-sixth  of  the  brain,  and"^  is  con- 
tained between  the  occiput  and  tentorium.  It  is  oblong  and  flattened 
in  shape,  and  composed  of  white  and  gray  substances.  ^ 

Cranial  Nerves. 

These  are  nine  in  number,  and  all  emerge  from  the  foramina,  or 
opening  at  the  base  of  the  brain.  They  are  designated  by  their  tf  unc- 
tion as  well  as  numerically,  viz.  :  1st,  olfactory  ;  2d,  optic  ;  od,  motor 
oculi ;  4th,  patheticus  ;  5th,  trifacial ;  6th,  motor  externus  ;  7th,  facial 
and  auditory  ;  8th,  pneumogastric,  glosso-pharyngeal,  and  spinal  acces- 
sory ;   9th,  hypoglossal. 

According  to  function  the  cranial  nerves  may  be  divided  into  three 
classes,  viz.  :  nerves  of  special  sense,  including  the  1st,  2d,  and  the  audi- 
tory branch  of  the  7th  ;  nerves  of  motion,  including  the  3d,  4th,  Gth, 
facial  branch  of  the  7th  and  9th  ;  compound  nerves,  comprising  the  8th 
and  5th. 

The  principal  nerve  of  the  arm  is  the  hrachial ;  of  the  foreami,  the 
ulnar  and  radial ;  of  the  thigh,  the  great  sciutic,  which  divides,  about 
©ne-third  above  the  knee,  into  two  large  branches,  the  peroneal  and 
poj)liteal ;  further  on  the  popliteal  is  called  the  posterior  tibial.  In  the 
pelvis  there  are  ih.B  pudic,  gluteal,  and  lesser  ischiatic. 

The  sympathetic  nerve  is  distributed  with  all  the  other  nerves  of  the 
body,  and  by  means  of  plcjxuses  supplies  all  the  internal  organs. 

The  nervous  system  is  a  complex  piece  of  machinery,  and  its  anatomy 
requires  much  study  before  any  competent  familiarity  with  it  can  be 
gained.  The  physician,  who  has  an  iuade(juate  knowledge  of  the  ana- 
tomy of  the  nervous  system,  and  philosophy  of  nervous  phenomena,  at 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  301 

the  physiology  pertaining  thereto,  cannot  hope  to  treat  diseases  assailing 
the  system  with  any  material  success.  Competence  in  this  respect  is  the 
reward  only  of  a  long  devotion,  and  practical  experience. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 

INPLA3IMATI0N  OF   THE   BrAIN   (CeREBRITIS). 

This  consists  of  inflammation  of  the  cerebral  substance,  and  due  to 
long  exposui-e  to  a  vertical  sun,  the  inordinate  use  of  ardent  spirits, 
cold,  fright,  external  injury,  the  sudden  disappearance  of  an  old  dis- 
charge, and  it  sometimes  occurs  as  a  consequent  on  small-pox,  or  erysi- 
pelas of  the  face  and  scalp,  and  fevers.  The  symptoms  are  violent  in- 
flammatory fever,  hot  and  dry  skin,  flushed  countenance,  suffused  eyes, 
quick  and  hard  pulse,  the  arteries  of  the  neck  throb,  and  delirium.  The 
senses  are  morbidly  acute,  there  being  intolerance  of  light  and  sound. 
The  person  is  extremely  restless,  the  muscles  of  the  face  are  spasmodi- 
cally contracted,  the  upper  eye-lids  hang  down,  and  as  the  disease  pro- 
gresses, blindness  and  deafness  ensue.  The  countenance  is  vacant  or 
idiotic,  the  eye  loses  its  lustre,  the  pupils  become  dilated,  and  the  eyes 
often  squint.  In  the  still  more  advanced  stage,  the  discharges  pass  off 
involuntarily,  the  countenance  becomes  pale  and  sunken,  the  pulse 
weak  and  in-egular,  the  coma  more  profound,  and  death  soon  closes  the 
scene.     It  is  commonly  called  "  Brain  Fever." 

Treatment. — This  should  be  most  energetic.  Bleeding  to  fainting 
has  been  the  practice  of  many  physicians,  but  I  deem  it  unnecessary,  as 
revulsion  can  be  made  by  other  means.  Leeches  may,  however,  be  ap- 
plied to  the  scalp.  The  hair  shoidd  be  closely  shaved  from  the  head, 
and  ice,  alcohol  or  ether,  with  water,  applied  to  the  head.  The  decoc- 
tion of  ladies' -slipper  should  be  given  internally.  At  the  outset  purga- 
tives should  be  given.  Those  that  act  thoroughly,  such  as  gamboge, 
colocynth,  etc. ,  are  the  best.  The  bladder  should  be  emptied  every 
day.     In  the  stage  of  coUapse,  stimulants  may  be  given. 

Apoplexy. 

This  is  a  condition  in  which  all  the  functions  of  animal  life  are  sud- 
denly stopped,  except  the  pulse  and  the  breathing.  There  is  neither 
thought  nor  feeling,  nor  voluntary  motion ;  and  the  patient  suddenly 
falls  down,  and  lies  as  if  in  a  deep  sleep.  The  disease  assaUs  in  three 
different  ways.  The  first  form  of  attack  is  a  sudden  falling  do\vn  into 
a  state  of  insensibility  and  apparently  deep  sleejo,  the  face  being  gener- 
ally flushed,  the  breathing  stertorous,  or  snoring,  the  pulse  full  and  not 
frequent,  with  occasional  convulsions.  From  this  mode  of  attack  death 
often  occiu's  immediately,  but  in  some  cases  recovery  occurs,  with  the 


302  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST 

exception  of  paralysis  of  one  side,  or  the  loss  of  speech,  or  some  of  the 
senses.  The  second  mode  of  attack  begins  with  sudden  pain  in  the 
head,  and  the  patient  becomes  pale,  faint,  sick,  and  vomits.  His 
pulse  is  feeble,  has  a  cold  sldn,  and  occasionally  some  convulsions.  He 
may  fall  down,  or  be  only  a  little  confused,  but  soon  recovers  from  all 
the  symptoms,  except  the  headache ;  this  will  continue,  and  the  patient 
will  sooner  or  later  become  heavy,  forgetful,  unable  to  connect  ideas, 
and  finally  sink  into  insensibility  from  which  he  never  rises.  This  mode 
of  invasion,  though  not  so  frightful  as  the  first,  is  of  much  more  serious 
import. 

The  third  fonn  of  attack  is  where  consciousness  is  retained,  but 
power  on  one  side  of  the  body  is  suddenly  lost.  The  patient  retains 
his  mind,  and  answers  questions  rationally,  either  by  signs  or  words. 
He  may  either  die  soon,  or  live  for  years,  with  imperfect  speech,  or  a 
leg  dragging  after  him,  or  an  arm  hanging  uselessly  by  his  side. 

Those  persons  who  have  large  heads,  red  faces,  short  and  thick  necks, 
and  a  short,  stout,  square  biuld,  are  more  predisposed  to  this  disease, 
than  thin,  pale  and  tall  persons.  Literary  men,  especially  editors,  lawyers, 
doctors,  etc.,  are  subject  to  this  disease,  owing  to  mental  overwork. 

The  symptoms  preceding  an  apoplectic  attack  are  headache,  vertigo, 
double  vision,  faltering  speech,  inability  to  remember  certain  words, 
sometimes  forgetfulness  of  one's  one  name,  a  frequent  losing  of  a  train 
of  ideas,  and  occasionally  an  unaccountable  dread.  It  is  caused  by 
whatever  hurries  the  circulation  as  strong  bodily  exercise,  emotional  ex- 
citement, exposure  to  the  sun  or  severe  cold,  tight  cravats,  etc. 

Treatment. — If  the  face  is  turgescent  and  red,  and  the  temporal 
arteries  throb,  and  the  pulse  full  and  hard,  the  patient  should  be  placed 
m  a  semi-recumbent  position,  with  his  head  raised,  his  clothes  loosened, 
particularly  his  neck-band  and  shirt  coUar,  and  then  quickly  as  possible, 
cold  water  or  ice  should  be  api^lied  to  the  head,  leeches  to  the  nape  of 
the  neck,  and  mustard  plasters  to  the  calves  of  the  leg.  Tight  Ugatures 
may  also  be  tied  around  the  thighs,  sufficiently  tight  to  arrest  the 
venous  circulation  ;  they  should  be  removed  gradually  as  consciousness 
returns.  Administer  a  stimulating  purgative,  as  a  few  drops  of  croton  oil. 
Injections  may  also  be  given.  If  the  patient  is  old,  and  the  pulse  feeble, 
the  ice  applications,  ligature,  etc.,  may  be  omitted,  and  instead  apply 
warm  flannels  and  warm  bricks  to  the  body,  and  administer  camphor. 
To  prevent  future  attacks,  gentle  tonics  should  be  given,  and  the  skin 
kept  healthy  by  daDy  bathing  and  friction.  The  bowels  must  not  be 
permitted  to  become  costive.  The  diet  should  bo  well  regulated.  The 
mind  .should  1)C  kept  cheerful  and  hopeful,  and  free  from  all  excitement. 
Intoxicating  drinks  should  be  totally  avoided,  and  sexual  congress  should 
be  of  rare  occurrence.  In  fact  every  thing  that  might  provoke  an  at 
tack  should  be  avoided. 


the  complete  herbalist.  303 

Congestion  of  the  Brain. 

This  consists  of  an  accumulation  of  blood  in  the  cerebral  vessels.  The 
countenance  is  flushed,  the  eyes  sufEused,  light  becomes  intolerable,  and 
there  is  singhig  in  the  ears,  vertigo,  momentary  loss  of  speech,  and 
sometimes  delirium.  Simple  congestion  is  merely  a  functional  affection, 
and  in  a  slight  or  moderate  degree  involves  no  immediate  danger.  It 
may,  however,  produce  apoplexy  and  sudden  death.  It  is  caused  by 
any  mechanical  impediment  to  the  return  of  blood  from  the  head,  as  tu- 
mor of  the  neck,  heart  disease,  etc.  It  is  a  concomitant  to  nearly  every 
inflammatory  cerebral  affection. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  consists  in  diverting  the  blood  from 
the  head  by  hot  mustard  foot  baths,  and  an  active  cathartic.  Ice  or 
cold  water  may  also  be  applied  to  the  head,  and  the  circulation  reduced 
by  veratrum.  The  treatment  is  the  same  as  advised  in  apoplexy,  in  all 
essential  particulars. 

Sunstroke. 

The  injury  done  to  the  brain  in  this  case  is  the  same  as  in  apoplexy, 
with  the  exception  of  the  clot.  It  is  essentially  congestion  of  the  brain. 
Persons  who  are  exposed  by  necessity  of  pursuit  to  the  extreme  heat  of 
the  sun,  should  be  protected  by  a  wet  cloth  or  cabbage-leaves  placed  on 
the  head  and  under  a  light  hat.  The  symptoms  are  first  dizziness,  fol- 
lowed by  intense  headache.  Thirst  becomes  excessive,  the  pulse  indis- 
tinct at  the  wrist,  violent  throbbing  of  the  carotid  and  temporal  arteries, 
and  insensibility  ensues  by  a  convulsive  shivering  of  the  body. 

Treatment. — Place  the  patient  immediately  in  a  cool  and  shady  place, 
and  instantly  apply,  copiously,  cold  water,  or,  what  is  better,  pounded 
ice  in  a  bag,  to  the  head.  Make  friction  over  his  legs  to  reUeve  the 
congested  state  of  the  brain.  Application  of  tuiiDentine  by  friction  on 
the  spine  is  also  of  service.  Inhalation  of  ammonia  or  hartshorn  is  bene- 
ficial, and  a  small  quantity  of  the  carbonate  of  that  substance  may  be 
given  internally.  Continue  this  treatment  until  the  patient  is  out  of 
danger,  or  until  death  ensues.  In  plethoric  patients,  bleeding  from  the 
arm  is  required,  and  in  this  instance  only  is  bleeding  advisable.  After 
the  patient  becomes  conscious  and  apparently  out  of  danger,  he  is  to  be 
removed  to  his  home,  and  a  brisk  cathartic  administered,  to  effect  re- 
vulsion. In  no  case  should  he  be  allowed  again  to  expose  himself  to 
sun  during  the  first  four  or  five  days  after  the  occurrence  of  the  sun- 
stroke. The  application  of  water  or  ice  to  the  head  should  be  abandon- 
ed by  gradual  increase  of  temperature,  to  prevent  any  reaction 

Ins.\nity. 

This  is  an  unsound  manifestation  of  intellectual  power.  The  indica- 
tions which  should  excite  alarm  are  headache,  vertigo,  mental  confusion. 


304  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

fretful  temper,  inaptitude  for  usual  occupations,  defective  articulations, 
dimness  of  vision,  and  flightiness  of  manner.  The  patient  is  also  avfare 
that  he  is  not  right,  he  shuns  his  old  friends,  has  frightful  dreams,  ii 
tortured  with  vdcked  thoughts.  If  it  exists  with  general  paralysis  it  is 
frequently  incurable.  Derangement  is  manifested  in  various  ways, 
viz:  — 

1st  Maina.—Thia  is  characterized  by  general  delirium,  in  which  tho 
reasoning  faculty  is  disturbed  and  confused,  if  not  lost,  ideas  absurd, 
wandering,  or  erroneous  ;  conduct  violent,  excited,  and  extremely  mis- 
chievous. The  maniac's  hair  is  crisped,  he  neglects  his  family  and  busi- 
ness, suspects  his  friends,  dislikes  the  light,  and  certain  colors  horrify 
him,  his  ears  are  sometimes  very  red,  noise  excites  and  disturbs  him, 
and  he  has  frequent  fits  of  anger  and  melancholy,  without  any  cause. 
His  delirium  extends  to  all  subjects,  and  the  entire  intellect,  affections 
and  will  are  in  a  chaotic  wreck. 

In  pverpernl  mania  occurring  after  delivery,  the  delirium  is  frequently 
extreme,  there  being  a  tendency  to  suicide  or  child-murder.  Maniacs 
in  general  have  a  disposition  to  murder  or  suicide. 

2d.  Monomania.  This  is  characterized  by  mental  aberratibn  o^  one 
subject.  The  patient  seizes  upon  a  false  principle,  and  draws  from  it 
injurious  conclusions,  which  modify  and  change  his  whole  life  and  char- 
acter. In  other  cases  the  intellect  is  sound,  but  the  affections  and  dis- 
position being  perverted,  their  acts  are  strange  and  inconsistent.  At- 
tempt is  made  to  justify  their  hallucinations  by  plausible  reasoning. 

M.  Dementia.  This  is  a  condition  in  which  the  weakness  of  intellect 
is  induced  by  accident  or  old  age.  The  ideas  are  numerous,  but  vague, 
confused  and  wandering;  the  memory  is  impaired,  and  the  manners 
childish,  siUy  and  undecided. 

ith.  Moral  3Iania.  Moral  insanity  is  a  condition  in  which  there  is  a 
perversion  of  the  natural  feelings,  affections,  temper,  habits,  and  moral 
dispositions.  The  conduct  is  eccentric,  and  an  uncontrolable  destruc- 
tive tendency,  or  a  propensity  to  every  species  of  mischief,  are  frequently 
the  leading  features.  A  slight  insanity  is  popularly  called  "a  kink  in 
the  head;"  in  Scotland,  "a  bee  in  the  bonnet." 

If  insanity  is  characterized  by  fear,  moroseness  and  prolonged  sadness, 
it  is  called  hjpemania  or  mdancli/>lia.  If  religion  is  the  theme  of  deli- 
rium, it  is  termed  theomania.  If  amatory  delusions  rule,  it  is  called 
erotomania.  If  the  suicidal  tendency  is  strong,  it  is  designated  a.utopha- 
mania,  and  if  characterized  by  aversion  to  man  and  society,  it  is  called 
misanthrojda.  If  the  tendency  is  to  stealing,  it  constitutes  kleptomania. 
Close  confinement,  and  low  diet,  such  conveniences  as  prisons  afford,  are 
the  best  cures  for  this  species  of  mania. 

It  is  a  pitiful  sight  to  see  the  thousand  fancies  in  regard  to  themselves 
of  the  insane.     One  Imagines  himself   as  an  inspired  individual,  and 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  30b 

charged  with  the  conversion  of  the  world,  while  another  sincerely  be- 
lieves that  the  devil  has  entered  into  him,  and  he  curses  God,  himself 
and  the  universe.  Still  another  believes  that  he  controls  the  world,  and 
directs  the  movements  of  the  planets.  One  believes  that  all  the  wisdom 
is  concentrated  in  him,  and  offers  to  teach  the  wisest.  Another  imag- 
ines himself  some  grand  king,  is  proud,  withdraws  from  his  fellows,  and 
will  allow  no  one  to  come  in  his  presence  without  proper  acts  of  homage. 
Yet  another  is  Napoleon,  or  some  other  great  general,  and  he  fights  his 
battles  anew,  and  majestically  marshals  his  imaginary  army.  Idioci/  is 
owing  to  a  congenital  deficiency  of  mind,  and  in  consequence  the  idiot 
may  oiten  be  a  deaf-mute,  and  be  governed  by  insane  passions. 

The  cause  of  insanity  is  hereditaiy  predisposition,  constant  revolution 
in  the  mind  of  some  painful  thought,  injured  feelings  which  cannot  be 
resented,  mortified  pride,  perplexity  in  business,  disappoiated  affections 
or  ambition,  political  or  religious  excitement,  loss  of  friends  or  property, 
and  in  general,  whatever  worries  the  mind  or  creates  a  deep  distress. 
Another  prolific  cause  is  masturbation. 

Treatment. — The  real  character  of  the  malady  should  be  ascertained, 
and,  if  possible,  the  pathological  condition  giving  rise  to  the  disorder  cor- 
rected. Out-door  exercise,  lively  amusements,  fresh  air  and  daily  bath- 
ing, contribute  largely  to  establish  a  cure.  The  exciting  cause  should 
be  removed.  The  stomach  and  bowels  should  receive  due  attention. 
The  tonics  should  be  given  to  improve  the  general  health  of  the  patient. 
Ladies'-slipper,  scuUcap,  cannabis  indica,  gelsemium,  aconite,  veratrum, 
belladonna,  quinine,  opium  and  lupul  in,  stand  in  good  repute  for  this  dis- 
order. The  moral  treatment  should  be  such  as  is  best  adapted  to  the  con- 
dition of  the  patient.  It  is  probably  best,  when  practicable,  to  place  the 
patient  in  some  well-conducted  insane  asylum,  where  he  will  have  pro- 
jicr  attendance  and  treatment.  If  this  is  not  feasible,  the  physician  should 
make  such  arrangements  as  wUl  best  seciire  the  patient,  if  of  vicious  dis- 
position, from  harming  himself  or  others,  but  in  no  case  should  vinneces- 
sary  restraint  be  placed  uxjon  the  patient. 

I  have  conducted  the  treatment  in  many  cases  of  insanity,  many  of 
whom  I  had  never  seen,  and  wherever  my  instructions  were  faithfully 
can-ied  out,  a  cure  was  generally  effected.  If  any  of  my  readers  have 
relatives  or  friends  who  may  have  become  insane,  and  who  may  desire  to 
know  my  opinion  of  the  case,  or  its  chances  for  cure,  and  will  describe 
the  case  to  me  fuhy,  I  will  cheerfully  state  them.  (See  page  390  for 
address.) 

Delirium  Tremens. 

This  is  also  called  mania  apotu^  and  in  common  parlance  it  is  the  ' '  hor- 
rors" or  "jim-jams."  It  is  caused  by  the  sudden  withdrawal  from  the 
habitual  or  prolonged  use  of  alcoholic  stimulation.     Its  most  prominent 


306  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

characteristics  are  delirious  hallucinations,  fear,  muscular  tremors,  weak- 
ness, watchfulness,  and  the  want  of  sleep.  The  symptoms  are  incessant 
talking,  fidgeting  with  the  hands,  trembling  of  the  limbs,  a  rapid  pulse, 
profuse  sweating,  and  a  mingling  of  the  real  with  the  imaginary.  The 
patient's  face  is  pale  and  sallow,  his  eye  is  rolling,  quick  and  expressive, 
and  is  busy  day  and  night,  and  can  scarcely  be  confined  to  his  room.  He 
is  unwilling  to  admit  that  anything  ails  him,  answers  questions  ration- 
ally, and  does  whatever  he  is  bidden  at  the  time.  Then  he  begins  to 
wander  again,  the  expression  becomes  wild,  the  eyes  vacant  or  staring, 
and  becomes  the  victim  of  pitiful  and  ludicrous  illusions  of  senses,  phan- 
tasms and  hallucinations  of  every  kind  ;  he  sees  imaginary  objects,  such 
as  rats,  mice,  lice,  dogs,  cats,  snakes,  and  hears  and  miagines  the  most 
extraordinary  and  absurd  delusions.  In  favorable  cases,  sleep  ends  the 
crisis  about  the  third  or  fourth  day ;  where  death  occurs,  the  delirium  is 
active  until  sudden  suspension  of  breath  ensues. 

Treatment. — Sleep  is  the  cure  for  this  disease,  and  opium  and  its 
preparations  are  the  sovereign  remedies.  Give  one-third  or  one-half  of  a 
grain  of  morphia ;  if  this  does  not  produce  sleep,  give  thirty  drops  of 
laudanum  every  two  hours  till  sleep  is  prodiiced.  A  draught  or  two  of 
the  patient's  accustomed  drink  may  also  be  given,  and  large  ^oses  of 
ojiium  may  be  dispensed  with  if  cold  ai)plications  are  made  to  the  head, 
and  the  use  of  a  tepid  bath,  prolonged  for  ,i.  few  houi^s.  Lupulin^is  also 
a  good  remedy. 

Headache  (Cephalalgia). 

This,  in  its  widest  acceptation,  includes  all  uneasy  sensations  of  the 
head.  It  may  be  confined  to  one  spot,  or  embrace  one  side,  as  in  hemi- 
crania ;  or  it  may  be  diffused,  and  of  indefinite  extent.  It  may  be  felt 
in  the  depths  of  the  brain,  or  only  in  the  scalp  and  cranium,  and  con- 
tinue for  an  instant,  or  last  for  days  and  weeks.  It  is  usually  paroxysmal, 
and  the  pain  may  be  simple  or  very  Adolent.  It  is  a  constant  attendant 
to  the  different  forms  of  inflammation  of  the  brain.  It  is  caused  by 
various  conditions;  decayed  teeth  may  cause  it.  Wlien  confined  to  one 
side,  the  pain  is  of  a  lancinating  character ;  when  due  to  a  disordered 
stomach,  it  occurs  in  the  forehead  and  temples  ;  when  it  occurs  from  a 
congestive  state  of  the  brain,  it  is  of  a  dull,  heavy,  aching  character ; 
when  due  to  spinal  irritation,  there  is  a  protracted  jiain  in  the  top  or 
back  j)art  of  the  head  ;  and  when  it  is  accompanied  by  nausea  and  vomit- 
ing, it  is  called  '■'■  sick-hedddche.'" 

TKEAT>rENT. — Immediate  relief  may  frequently  be  obtained  by 
thoroughly  evacuating  the  stomach,  and  drinking  hot  tea  or  coffee, 
followed  by  adding  ten  drops  of  tincture  of  belladonna  to  a  tumblerful  of 
water,  and  takLiig  one  tea-spoonful  everj'  ten  or  fifteen  minutes.  A  hot 
foot-bath  and  bathing  the  head  in  stimiUating  linimentB  also  afford  relief 


THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST.  307 

in  some  cases.  If  it  is  due  to  a  full  habit,  the  diet  must  be  regulated. 
In  some  bad  cases  cold  applications  to  the  head,  leeches  to  the  temples, 
and  hot  sinapisms  to  the  spine  may  be  required.  Rubbing  my  ' '  Herbal 
Ointment "  on  the  forehead,  temples,  and  nape  of  neck  gives  instant  relief. 

Hypochondria. 

Among  the  causes  of  this  distressing  complaint  are  disappointment, 
misfortunes  of  a  heavy  character,  care,  masturbation,  excessive  mental 
labor,  undue  anxiety,  costiveness,  neglect  of  cleanluiess,  indigestion, 
sedentary  occupations,  living  in  close  and  gloomy  apartments,  or  wet 
and  marshy  localities,  excessive  indulgence  in  sexual  pleasures,  or  any- 
thing which  tends  to  weaken  and  disturb  the  nervous  system,  or  over- 
stimulate  the  brain.  The  mental  symptoms  are  countless.  The  chief  one 
is  a  constant  dread  of  some  unexplainable  evil ;  the  patient  fears  that  his 
wife,  if  he  has  one,  is  unfaithful,  or  hates  him,  or  that  his  business  is 
going  to  ruin,  and  he  will  be  redixced  to  beggary,  or  that  his  friends 
despise  him,  or  that  he  will  be  charged  with  the  commission  of  some 
monstrous  crime,  or  that  he  has  all,  or  a  majority  of  the  worst  physical 
diseases  that  surgeon  or  physician  was  ever  summoned  to  treat.  These 
are  the  lightest  symptoms,  and  if  not  immediately  attended  to,  will  be- 
come aggravated,  and  go  on  increasing  in  violence  and  extent  until  the 
sufferer  dies  naturally  from  exhaustion  and  misery,  gets  hopelessly  in- 
sane, or  perhaps  commits  suicide.  The  organs  of  sense  are  more  or  less 
deranged,  and  external  sensations  are  magnified  and  corrupted  even  as 
those  of  the  mind  are.  Thus,  the  eye  appears  to  see  aU  sorts  of  forms 
which  it  dnes  not  see;  the  smell  detects  odors  which  do  not  exist;  the 
touch  demonstrates  to  the  brain  objects  with  which  it  does  not  come 
in  contact ;  the  taste  is  perverted  and  disordered  to  an  extent  which 
seems,  to  an  uninterested  observer,  impossible ;  and  the  ears  convey 
imaginary  sounds  of  the  most  perplexing  and  terrific  character.  The 
queer  fancies  of  the  hypochondriac  are  often  of  such  a  character  as  to 
obliterate  pity  for  the  unhappy  individual,  and  provoke  both  disgust  and 
laughter.  Cases  have  been  known  where  the  victim  imagined  that  he 
was  a  teapot,  or  had  glass  legs  which  would  break  upon  the  lightest 
exertion,  or  was  made  of  jelly,  and  could  not  move  without  dissolving 
into  an  undistinguishable  mass  of  gelatinous  matter,  or  was  as  large  as 
an  elephant,  or  as  small  as  a  pipe-stem  ;  or  had  horns  growing  from  the 
head,  or  a  bottle  attached  to  the  end  of  the  nose,  or  was  covered  with 
creeping  and  venomous  insects.  Hypochondria  is  also  productive  of 
fainting  spells,  cold  surface  of  the  body,  an  eye  either  glassy  and  un- 
naturally brilliant,  or  without  any  lustre,  palpitations,  pains  in  the 
stomach,  pale  and  livid  countenance,  and  occasional  paroxysms  of  fever. 
Treatment. — A  cure  may  be  effected  by  the  employment  of  such  medi- 
cines as  wUl  restore  tone  to  the  stomach  and  nervous  system,  and  also  by 


*308  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

removing,  as  far  as  is  possible,  all  the  causes  which  lead  to  the  origin  and 
l)eri)etuation  of  the  malady.  Whern  it  is  within  the  scope  of  the  patient's, 
means  he  should  be  kept  continually  on  the  move  (without  fatigue),  a  con- 
stant change  of  scene  being  one  of  the  most  desirable  of  self-acting  reme- 
dies. All  allusions  to  his  real  or  fancied  miseries  should  be  avoided,  or,  if 
found  necessary,  of  the  kiudcst  and  most  consoling  description.  It  is 
always  the  case  that  the  hypochondriac  wUl  be  the  harshest,  the  most 
suspicious,  and  the  most  vmgenerous  in  every  way,  towards  his  best 
friends.  This  is  an  unfailing  tjq:ie  of  the  disease.  The  friends  must  bear 
these  annoyances  patiently  and  self-denyingly.  To  lose  one's  temper 
with  such  a  sufferer  is  to  commit  a  great  crime ;  out-of-door  exercise 
must  be  as  constant  as  is  consistent  with  the  weather  and  the  jjatient's 
circumstances.  Leave  the  hj'pochondriac  alone  as  little  as  possible. 
Let  him  eat  and  drink  but  moderately  of  nourishing  but  easily-digested 
food,  and  above  all  things  keep  him  from  the  use  of  stimulating  drinks 
and  tobacco.  Music  has  been  found  highly  beneficial  in  these  cases — 
anything  is  good,  in  fact,  which  affords  lively  amusement.  A  cold  or 
tepid  sponge  bath  shoidd  be  taken  morning  and  evening,  and  the  itile  of 
"  early  to  bed  and  early  to  rise,"  should  never  be  violated.  The  bowels 
must  always  be  kept  open- — a  good  passage  every  twenty -four  Ijours 
being  required—  and  where  the  patient  is  extremely  weak,  a  good  *sub- 
stantial  tonic,  such  as  "  Restorative  Assimilant,"  should  be  administered 
three  times  a  day.  When  the  patient  has  a  fainting  smell,  and  thinks 
he  is  dying,  give  him  motherwort  tea,  with  spirits  of  camphor  in  it,  if 
no  other  assistance  happens  to  be  at  hand.  This  is  only  general  treat- 
ment for  temporary  benefit.  To  eradicate  the  disease  thoroughly  it  is 
necessary  to  know  all  about  the  individual  case,  and  the  chief  causes  of 
its  origin  and  development.  Nature's  remedies  may  then  be  applied 
without  fear  of  failure. 

Neuralgia. 

This  disease  affects  one  tissvie  only — the  nervous,  and  pain  is  the  only 
symptom.  The  pain  is  of  every  degree  of  intensity.  It  may  affect 
every  nerve,  but  is  more  commonly  confined  to  the  most  important.  The 
tearing  pain  comes  on  sitddenly  and  in  paroxysms.  It  may  be  so  agoniz 
ing  as  to  cause  a  temporary  loss  of  reason. 

AVhen  the  fifth  pair  of  nerves  is  affected  it  is  called  tic  doideiireux ; 
and  face  ache  when  confined  to  the  facial  nerve  and  branches.  It  is 
called  sciatica  when  the  pain  begins  at  the  hip  and  follows  the  course  of 
the  sciatic  nerve.  It  may  also  occur  in  the  female  breasts,  the  womb, 
in  the  stomach  and  bowels,  hands  and  feet,  etc. 

Treatment. — This  is  palliative  and  radical.  The  palliative  treat- 
ment consists  in  the  administration  of  aconite,  hyoscyamus,  ladios'- 
slipner,  belladomia,   opium,  morphine,  lupulin,  cicuta,  etc.     These  can 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  309 

either  be  applied  locally,  or  taken  internally.  Morphine  and  aconitin 
should  be  injected  pubcutaneously,  and  immediate  relief  follows.  In 
sciatica,  blistering  along  the  course  of  the  nerve  often  cures.  Ten  grains 
each  of  aconitin  and  extract  of  belladonna  and  one  drachm  of  lard, 
form  an  excellent  ointment  for  external  application.  The  ' '  Herbal  Oint- 
ment "  (page  469)  arrests  the  pain  almost  instantly.  The  radical  treat- 
ment consists  in  removing  the  cause.  If  due  to  malarial  influence, 
quinine  should  be  given.  If  associated  with  kidney  disease,  that  organ 
should  receive  attention.  The  alteratives  are  serviceable  in  many 
cases. 

Bilious  Colic. 

This  is  neuralgia  of  the  mesenteric  net-work  of  nerves,  or  rather 
hy])era3sthesia  of  the  plexus.  By  hyperoesthesia  is  meant  excessive 
sensibility  or  passability.  It  is  characterized  by  shai-ji  twisting  pain  ex- 
tending from  the  navel  to  the  lower  portion  of  the  abdomen.  It  occurs 
in  itaroxysms,  and  is  of  <a  most  excruciating  character.  The  patient  is 
restless,  hands,  feet  and  cheeks  are  cold,  and  the  pulse  is  small  and 
hard.  The  abdomen  is  tense  and  distended  ;  obstinate  constipation, 
and  usually  nausea  and  vomiting  occur.  The  fits  usually  last  from  a 
few  moments  to  several  hours.  The  matter  vomited  up  is  generally 
bilious  matter. 

Treatment. — Administer  an  active  purgative  injection  immediately, 
and  give  internally  wild  yam,  camphor,  etc. ,  every  fifteen  minutes  until 
the  pain  is  relieved.  A  strong  decoction  of  wild  yam  root  is  a  specific 
cure  for  this  affection.  Scull-cap  and  high-cranberry  bark  are  also  good. 
The  latter  is  called  cramp  bark  on  accoujit  of  its  excellence  in  spasmodic 
affections.  The  vomiting  may  be  checked  by  laudanum.  Hot  bathe, 
fomentations,  etc. ,  are  also  usef uL 

Hiccough. 

This  consists  in  spasmodic  contraction  of  the  midriff,  and  a  certain 
degree  of  constriction,  which  arrests  the  air  in  the  wind-pipe,  thus  pro- 
ducing sudden,  short,  convulsive  inspirations,  attended  by  slight  sound, 
and  followed  immediately  by  expiration.  It  is  often  a  symptom  of  low 
forms  of  fever  and  inflammatory  diseases,  or  caused  by  the  excessive 
use  of  alcohol  or  tobacco. 

Treatment. — When  purely  nervous,  suddenly  attracting  the  mind 
will  cure  it.  Hence  the  common  advice  to  the  hiccoughing  patient, 
"  think  of  your  sweetheart"  is  so  often  effectual,  because  the  fond  ob- 
ject absorbs  the  whole  mind.  When  dependent  upon  a  disordered  state 
of  the  stomach,  an  emetic  will  relieve  it.  In  fevers  it  denotes  debUity, 
indicating  the  need  of  stimulants. 


310  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

WnoopiNG  Coucn  (Pertussis"). 

This  is  a  hypersesthesia  of  the  pneumo-gastric  nerve,  and  not  due 
to  inflammation,  as  may  be  supposed.  It  is  a  contag-ious  disease.  It 
consists  of  a  convulsive  cough,  attended  by  hissing  and  rattling  in  the 
WTndpipe,  and  ineffectual  efforts  to  expel  the  breath.  This  is  repeated 
until  a  quantity  of  thick,  tenacious  mucus  is  expectorated,  when  the 
breathing  again  becomes  free.  The  paroxysms  apparently  threaten 
suffocation,  and  the  agitation  affects  the  whole  body.  Blood  is  some- 
times started  from  the  nostrils,  but,  not^vithstanding  the  violence  of  the 
symptoms,  it  is  rarely  ever  dangerous. 

Treatment. — An  emetic  may  be  given  at  first.  Liniments  of  olive 
oil  or  the  "  Herbal  Ointment"  should  be  applied  to  the  spine.  The  anti- 
spasmodics are  or  course  indicated,  such  as  belladonna,  a  decoction  of 
bitter  almond,  or  of  cherry  seed,  etc.  Lobelia  is  a  good  remedy,  as  is 
also  skunk  cabbage  ;  daily  vapor  inhalations  are  also  serviceable  ;  cochi- 
neal has  a  good  reputation  ;  it  should  be  used  with  stillingia. 

Spasm  op  the  Glottis.  -v 

This  is  also  called  the  crowing  disease  ox  faUe  crouj).  It  is  comnjon  to 
children,  and  rarely  occurs  in  adults.  It  is  a  spasmodic  disease,  and 
distinguishable  from  croup  by  the  absence  of  fever.  The  child  is  sud- 
denly taken  with  an  impossibility  of  taking  breath,  and  struggles 
convulsively  for  a  time,  its  head  thrown  back,  face  pale,  legs  and  arms 
stiff,  and  when  it  begins  to  breathe  it  is  of  a  crowing  character. 

Treatment. — In  the  paroxysm  set  the  child  in  an  upright  position, 
exposed  to  a  fuU  draught  of  cool  and  fresh  air,  and  sprinkle  cold  water 
in  its  face.  Loosen  all  its  clothes  around  Ihe  neck,  slap  it  shghtly  on 
the  back,  and  apply  friction  along  the  spine.  If  not  successful,  place  it 
in  a  warm  bath,  and  then  sprinkle  cold  water  in  its  face.  If  due  to 
teething,  use  the  proper  remedies,  and  give  some  gentle  physic. 

Epilepsy. 
This  is  characterized  by  the  sudden  loss  of  consciousness  and  .sensi- 
bility, accompanied  with  spasms  and  convulsions.  It  comes  on  sud- 
denly, and  epileptics,  by  the  sudden  attacks,  are  at  all  times  in  danger. 
They  may  be  taken  while  descending  a  flight  of  stairs,  while  traversing 
the  bank  of  a  precipice,  while  crossmg  a  street  crowded  with  vehicles 
drawn  at  fnll  speed,  or  while  in  a  throng  of  people  whose  feet  would 
trample  them  to  death,  esiiecially  in  case  of  an  alarm  of  fire,  a  great  pubhc 
meeting  or  pageant,  or  other  sudden  danger.  But  all  those  afllictcd  in 
this  terrible  way  are  actually  aUve  to  the  dangers  of  which  they  are  the 
constant  expectants.  Epilepsy,  in  its  severer  forms,  is  a  terrible  disease 
to  witness.     It  is  productive  of  great  distress  juid  misery,  and  liable  to 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  311 

terminate  in  -n-orse  than  deatli,  as  it  is  apt,  in  many  cases,  to  end  in  fa- 
tuity or  insanity,  and  so  carrying  perpetual  anxiety  and  dismay  into  all 
of  tliose  families  which  it  has  once  visited. 

The  leading  symptoms  of  Epilepsy  are,  a  temporary  susjiension  of  con- 
sciousness, with  clonic  sjjasms,  recurring  at  intervals ;  but  so  various  are 
its  forms,  and  so  numerous  its  modifications,  that  no  general  description 
of  the  disease  can  be  given.  I  will  first  describe  the  most  ordinary  type 
of  the  disease,  and  then  note  some  of  the  several  variations  which  occur 
from  the  standard  type. 

A  man  in  the  apparent  enjoyment  of  perfect  health  suddenly  utters  a 
loud  cry,  and  falls  instantly  to  the  ground,  senseless  and  convulsed.  He 
strains  and  struggles  violently.  His  breathing  is  embarrassed  and  sus- 
pended ;  his  face  is  turgid  and  livid  ;  he  foams  at  the  mouth  ;  a  choking 
sound  is  heard  in  his  wind-pipe,  and  he  appears  to  be  at  the  point  of 
death  from  apnoea,  or  suspension  of  breath.  By  degrees,  however, 
these  alarming  phenomena  diminish,  and  finally  cease,  leaving  the 
patient  exhausted,  heavy,  stupid,  comatose,  or  in  a  death-like  condition. 
His  life,  however,  is  no  longer  threatened,  and  soon,  to  all  appearances, 
he  is  perfectly  well.  The  same  train  of  morbid  jihenomena  recur,  again 
and  again,  at  different,  and  mostly  at  irregular  intervals,  perhaps 
through  a  long  course  of  years,  notwithstanding  the  best  medical  science 
has  been  exercised  to  prevent  and  cure  the  distressing  malady.  This  is 
the  most  ordinary  form  of  Epilepsy. 

The  suddenness  of  the  attack  is  remarkable  :  in  an  instant,  wheu  it  is 
least  expected  by  himself,  or  by  those  around  him,  in  the  luiddk,  of  a 
sentence  or  of  a  gesture,  the  change  takes  place,  and  the  unfortunate 
sufferer  is  stretched  f oammg,  struggling,  and  insensible  on  the  earth. 

In  this  country,  Epilepsy  is  commonly  called  the  '■^  Falliny  Skkiiens,'''' 
or  more  vaguely,  "  Fits."  The  cry,  which  is  frequently,  but  not  always 
uttered,  is  a  piercing  and  teiTifying  scream.  Women  have  often  been 
thrown  into  hysterics  upon  hearing  it,  and  frequently  it  has  caused  preg- 
nant females  to  miscarry.  Even  the  lower  animals  are  often  startled, 
and  appalled  by  a  scream  so  harsh  and  lumatural,  and  parrots  and  other 
birds  have  been  known  to  drop  from  their  perch,  apparently  frightened 
to  death  by  the  appalling  sound. 

In  most  of  the  cases  of  fits,  which  have  come  under  my  notice  and 
treatment,  the  first  effect  of  the  spasms  has  been  a  twisting  of  the  neck, 
the  chin  being  raised  and  brought  round  by  a  succession- of  jerks  towards 
the  shoulder,  while  one  side  of  the  body  is  usually  more  strongly  agi- 
tated than  the  other.  The  features  are  greatly  distorted,  the  brows 
knit,  the  eyes  sometimes  quiver  and  roll  about,  sometimes  are  fixed  -and 
staring,  and  sometimes  are  trrnied  up  beneath  the  lids,  so  that  the  cornea 
cannot  be  seen,  but  leaving  visible  the  white  sclerotica  alone  ;  at;  the 
Bame  time  the  mouth  is  twisted  awry,  the  tongue  thrust  between  the 


812  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

teeth,  and,  caught  by  the  violent  closure  of  the  jaws,  is  often  severely 
bitten,  reddening  by  blood  the  foam  which  issues  from  the  mouth.  The 
hands  are  firmly  clenched  and  the  thumbs  bent  inwards  on  the  pahns, 
the  amis  are  generally  thrown  about,  striking  the  chest  of  the  patient 
with  great  force.  Sometimes  he  will  bruise  himself  against  surrounding 
objects,  or  inflict  hard  Icnocks  on  the  friends  and  neighbors  who  have 
hastened  to  his  assistance.  It  frequently  happens  that  the  urine  and 
excrements  are  expelled  during  the  violence  of  the  spasms,  and  sen;inal 
emissions  sometimes  take  place.  The  spasmodic  contraction  of  the 
muscles  is  occasionally  so  powerful  as  to  dislocate  the  bones  to  which 
they  are  attached.  The  teeth  have  thus  been  fractured,  and  the  joints 
of  the  jaw  and  of  the  shoulder  put  out  or  dislocated. 

This  is  the  most  severe^  yet  the  most  common  form  in  which  an  epi- 
leptic attack  occurs.  Fortunately,  there  is  a  largo  class  of  cases  in  which 
the  symptoms  are  milder.  Sometimes  there  is  no  convulsion  at  all,  or,  at 
least,  is  very  slight  and  transient ;  no  turgescence  of  the  face  ;  no  foam- 
ing of  the  mouth  ;  no  ciy  ;  but  a  sudden  suspension  of  consciousness,  a 
short  period  of  insen.sibility,  a  fixed  gaze,  a  totter,  perhaps,  ^a  look  of 
confusion,  but  the  patient  does  not  fall.  This  is  but  momentary.^  Pre- 
sently consciousness  returns,  and  the  patient  resumes  the  action  in 
which  he  had  been  previously  engaged,  A^dthout  always  being  aware  that 
it  has  been  interrupted. 

Between  these  two  extremes  of  epilepsy  there  are  many  links  or 
grades.  Sometimes  the  sufferer  sinlis  or  slides  down  quietly  without 
noise  ;  is  pale  ;  is  not  convulsed ;  but  is  insensible,  much  like  one  in  a 
state  of  syncope,  or  fainting. 

As  it  is  impossible  to  give  any  single  description  of  epilepsy  Mdiich  will 
inchide  all  its  varieties,  of  course  it  is  still  more  difficult  to  offer  a  strict 
definition  of  the  disease.  We  can  only  say  it  is  a  malady  that  causes  a 
sudden  loss  of  sensation  and  consciousness,  with  spasmodic  contraction 
of  the  voluntary  muscles,  quickly  passing  into  violent  convulsive  distor- 
tions, attended  and  followed  by  stupor  or  sleep,  recurring  in  paroxysms, 
often  more  or  less  rcgiilar.  Yet  all  these  circumstances  may  in  turn  be 
wantmg.  There  may  be  no  convulsion,  no  interruption  of  conscious- 
ness, no  subsequent  coma  or  stupor,  or  even  a  recurrence  of  the 
attack. 

The  duration  of  the  attacks  is  variable.  They  seldom  continue  longer 
than  half  an  hour ;  the  average  duration  may  be  said  to  be  from  five  to 
ten  minutes.  Attacks  that  spread  over  three  or  four  hours  generally 
consist  of  a  succession  of  paroxysms,  with  indistinct  intervals  of  coma- 
tose exhaustion.  In  the  long-continued  fits,  or  in  the  protracted  suc- 
cession of  fits,  the  patient  often  dies. 

The  periods  at  which  the  i)aroxysms  return  are  extremely  variable. 
Most  commonly  they  visit  the  sufferer  at  irregular  periods  of  a  few 


THE    COMPLETE    HERRALTST.  313 

months  or  weeks  ;  sometimes  are  repeated  at  intervals  of  a  few  days ; 
sometimes  every  day  or  every  night,  and  very  frequently  many  times 
in  the  twenty-four  hours. 

The  epileptic  attack  may  come  on  for  the  first  time  at  any  age.  It  may 
beg-in  in  infancy  during  the  first  dentition,  or  teething ;  more  commonly 
about  the  age  of  seven  or  eight  years,  during  the  time  of  the  second 
dentition  ;  more  frequently  still,  from  fourteen  to  sixteen,  shortly  before 
the  age  of  puberty.  It  is  apt  to  occur  for  a  few  years  siibsequently  to 
this.  The  first  fit  may  not  occur  till  between  thirty  and  forty ;  or  it  may 
occur  at  sixty,  or  even  at  a  later  period  of  life. 

Treatment.  — There  is  perhaps  no  disease  where  a  greater  diversity 
of  medical  treatment  has  been  instituted  than  in  Epilepsy.  The  whole 
pharmacopoeia  has  been  exhausted,  and  each  remedy  extolled  for  its 
virtues.  One  medical  man  says  he  cures  the  disease  by  trephining; 
another  thinks  the  oil  of  turpentine  the  best  remedy  ;  still  another  recom- 
mends the  vapor  of  chloroform.  This  doctor  applies  ice,  the  other  cau- 
terizes the  back  with  a  hot  iron,  and  yet  another  speaks  highly  of  a 
compound  of  camphor,  valerian,  assafoetida,  naphtha,  and  oil  of  cajeput. 

Unless  rational  treatment  is  employed,  the  disease  cannot  be  cured. 
If  occurring  in  infants,  it  should  be  ascertained  if  it  is  not  due  to  teeth- 
ing or  worms,  and  the  proper  treatment  instituted,  if  so  caused.  If 
connected  with  derangement  of  the  catamenia,  masturbation,  or  sperma- 
torrhoea, the  treatment  for  these  complaints  is  necessary.  The  anti- 
Bpasmodics  are  indicated  in  every  case,  the  best  of  which  is  blue  vervian, 
although  valerian,  belladonna,  scuUcap,  etc.,  are  also  good.  The  general 
condition  of  the  system  should  receive  strict  attention. 

On  page  469  I  have  given  a  remedy  which  will  prove  in  eight  cases 
out  of  ten  a  simple  and  certain  cure.  I  make  no  secret  of  its  com- 
position. I  have  sent  the  prescription  to  many  thousands  gratuitously. 
A  fair  trial  will  convince  every  one  that  it  is  one  of  the  most  potent 
remedies  ever  discovered  for  the  cure  of  epilepsy,  falling  sickness,  or 
fits.  When  this  medicine  is  taken,  the  spasms  gradually  grow  lightei 
and  lighter,  and  finally  disappear  altogether,  restoring  the  patient  to  the 
most  perfect  normal  health.  Its  effect  is  truly  wonderful.  The  time 
to  accomplish  a  cure  is  usually  from  two  to  three  months. 

Hysterics. 

This  is  a  nervous  condition  confined  to  females,  though  well  marked 
cases  of  hysteria  are  occasionally  met  with  in  males.  The  invasion  of 
the  disease  is  sudden  and  irregular,  but  in  many  cases  decidedly  period- 
ical. The  princi])al  characteristics  consist  in  alternate  fits  of  weeping  and 
laughing,  with  a  sensation  as  if  a  ball  was  rolling  towards  the  stomach, 
chest,  and  neck,  producing  a  sense  of  strangulation.  Consciousness  is 
lost  in  violent  cases,  but  it  remains  clear  as  a  general  thing,  which  dis- 
14 


314  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

tinguishes  it  from  (ipilepsy.  It  is  dependent  upon  irregularity  of  nervous 
distribution  in  very  impressible  persons. 

Treatment. — During  the  paroxysms,  the  feet  should  be  placed  in 
warm  water,  and  a  hot  mustard  plaster  applied  to  the  lower  jiart  of  the 
abdomen.  A  decoction  of  equal  parts  of  ladies' -slipper  and  scullcap 
should  be  given  until  the  spasm  subsides.  A  tea  made  of  ginger  and 
bayberry,  the  tincture  of  castor,  and  assafoetida,  are  also  good.  The 
state  of  the  womb  should  receive  attention,  and  if  dependent  upon  in- 
digestion and  constipation,  tonics  and  laxatives  are  the  i^roper  remedies. 
I  have  never  met  with  the  annoyance  or  difficulty  in  the  treatment  of 
this  disease  that  so  many  practitioners  speak  of,  but  regard  the  disease 
US  easy  of  cure. 

Catalepsy. 

This  IB  an  affliction  of  rare  occurrence,  and  appears  to  be  constitu- 
tional, or  dependent  uiion  some  derangement  of  the  nervous  and  mus- 
cular system  which  baffles  inquiry.  The  sufferer  is  suddenly  seized  by 
it,  and,  although  powerless  to  move,  or  speak,  and  to  all  appearance 
dead,  is  partially  sensible  of  all  that  is  going  on  around.  In  some  cases, 
however,  the  senses  are  suspended.  The  body  and  limbs  are  not  gen- 
erally rigid,  but  will  remain  in  the  positions  in  which  the  bystand- 
ers may  place  them.  Many  years  ago,  when  the  light  of  science  was  not 
60  bright,  or  shed  so  extensively  as  it  is  now,  men  and  women  were  buried 
alive  while  cataleptic.  The  catalepsy,  or  trance,  often  lasts  for  weeks, 
the  sufferer,  in  the  meantime,  pai'taking  of  no  novu-ishment  whatever. 

"  Absence  of  mind  "  is  a  slight  form  of  catalepsy. 

Treatment. —During  the  paroxy.sms  the  head  should  be  showered 
wath  cold  water,  followed  by  hot  foot-baths  and  stimulating  liniments, 
with  friction  to  the  abdomen  and  spine.  Some  aromatic  stimulant,  as 
peppermint  sling  or  compound  spirits  of  lavender,  should  also  be  ad- 
ministered. For  the  toning  of  the  nervous  system  and  preventing 
rccun-ence  of  the  trance,  the  "Restorative  Assimilant"  answers  all 
purposes  admirably. 

St.  Vitus's  Dance  (Chorea). 

This  is  characterized  by  iiTcgiilar  contractions  of  the  voluntary  mus- 
cles, especially  of  the  face  and  limbs,  there  being  incomplete  subserviency 
of  these  muscles  to  the  will.  It  is  a  disease  which  usually  occurs  beforo 
puberty,  and  is  generallj'  connected  with  torpor  of  the  system  and  of  the 
digestive  organs  in  particular.  The  spasms  do  not  continue  during  sleep, 
and  often,  by  a  strong  effort  of  the  will,  they  can  in  a  measure  be  con- 
trolled. Its  duration  is  long,  but  usually  devoid  of  danger,  unless  it 
merges  into  organic  disease  of  the  nervous  centres,  or  of  the  heart,  or 
into  epilepsy. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  315 

Treatment. — The  general  system  should  be  strengthened,  and  the 
intestinal  canal  stimulated.  Purgatives  once  or  twice  a  week,  with  ap- 
propriate regimen,  will  fulfil  these.  A  mild  purgative,  like  the  "'  Reno- 
vating Pih,"  should  be  used.  The  decoction  of  scuUcap  and  ladies'- 
slipper  is  very  beneficial.  It  is  cured  in  a  short  time  by  my  "  Restora- 
tive Assimilant." 

Locked-Jaw  (Tetanus). 

This  is  a  disease  of  the  true  spinal  system,  and  is  manifested  by  spasm 
and  rigidity  of  the  voluntary  muscles.  When  the  muscles  of  the  neck 
and  face  are  affected,  it  is  termed  Trismus,  or  locked-jaw ;  when  the 
muscles  in  front,  Einprosthotoiios  :  when  the  muscles  of  the  back,  Opis- 
thototios  ;  and  when  bending  to  either  side,  Pleurosthotonos. 

Tetanus  may  be  either  acute  or  chronic ;  the  former  is  the  most  fre- 
quent and  most  formidable ;  the  latter,  apt  to  be  partial,  mUder,  and 
more  subject  to  treatment. 

It  is  called  traiunatic  when  it  follows  a  wound  or  injury,  and  idiopathic 
when  of  spontaneous  origin. 

Acute  traumatic  tetanus  is  more  common  in  hot  climates,  and  in  mili- 
tary practice,  and  may  follow  a  slight  bruise  or  puncture,  especially  if 
some  nerve  has  been  injured.  The  symptoms  may  appear  in  a  few  houi's, 
or  in  many  days ;  at  first,  there  is  a  stiffness  and  soreness  about  the 
neck  and  face,  the  contraction  of  the  muscles  causing  a  ghastly  smUe  ; 
chewing  and  swallowing  are  difficult,  the  forehead  is  wrinkled,  eyeballs 
are  distorted,  nostrils  dilated,  and  the  grinnuig  countenance  is  expres- 
sive of  horror.  Respiration  is  rapid,  the  tongue  protrudes,  and  the 
saliva  dribbles.  The  mind  is  clear  until  just  before  death,  which  gener- 
ally takes  place  in  a  few  days. 

Treatment. — The  indications  are  to  remove  all  sources  of  irritation 
and  diminish  the  spasm.  The  wound  is  to  be  cleansed  from  aU  foreign 
bodies,  pus  to  be  discharged  by  a  free  incision,  if  necessary,  and  warm 
anodyne  poultices  and  fomentations  are  to  be  applied.  Excision  of  the 
wound,  or  division  of  the  nerve  leading  to  it,  may  be  done  by  the  sur- 
geon. Nutrition  and  opium  are  indispensable  ;  the  latter  may  be  used 
either  externally  or  internally.  A  lobelia  emetic,  if  it  can  be  adminis- 
tered, should  be  given,  and  a  brisk  pm-gative  should  be  given.  Tobacco, 
either  by  the  mouth,  or  in  enema,  is  an  excellent  relaxant.  Camphor, 
assafoetida,  etc.,  may  also  be  used  as  antispasmodics.  Cannabis  indica 
internally,  and  ice  to  the  spine,  have  been  used  advantageously  in  some 
cases.  If,  in  opinion  of  the  attending  physician,  it  is  necessary,  chloro- 
foim  or  ether  may  be  used  as  an  anaesthetic. 

Paralysis  (Palsy). 
The  most  characteristic  symptom  of  cerebral  hemorrhage  is  paralysis. 


316  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

Very  slight  efEusion  produces  this  effect,  and,  in  general,  its  intensity  is 
in  direct  ratio  of  the  extent  of  the  effusion.  It  also  arises  from  disease 
of  the  brain  or  its  niembranes,  injuries  of  the  brain  and  spinal  cord, 
diseases  of  the  cord  or  its  membranes,  or  any  injury  of  the  large  nervous 
networks,  the  action  of  lead,  etc.  The  nerves  of  motion  as  weD  as  those 
of  sensation  may  be  paralyzed,  and  when  it  exists  on  one  side  of  the  body 
it  is  called  hemiplegid,  and  when  confined  to  the  lower  limbs,  paraplegia. 
\Mien  the  muscles  of  the  mouth  or  of  an  extremity  are  affected,  it  is 
called  ^wr^jai  paralj'sis,  and  when  both  sides,  whether  in  their  extent  or 
in  some  of  their  parts,  are  deprived  of  motion,  it  is  termed  general 
paralysis. 

At  the  verj^  moment  of  the  effusion  it  acquires  all  at  once  its  highest 
degree  of  intensity,  then  remains  stationary  or  begins  to  diminish. 
Sometimes  the  paralyzed  part  has  not  previously  experienced  any 
disturbance  with  respect  to  either  sensation  or  motion;  sometimes, 
however,  the  patient  has  experienced  in  these  parts  pricking  sensations, 
numbness,  permanent  or  transient,  an  unusual  feeling  of  cold,  a  sense 
of  weight,  and  a  certain  degree  of  debility.  The  part  paralyzed  suggests 
the  locality  of  the  effusion  or  injury,  but  these  are  only  of  interest  tp  the 
pathologist.  When  the  affected  muscles  degenerate  or  atrophy,^it  is 
called  loastiiig  palny,  and  when  characterized  by  slow  progress,  and 
tremulousne.ss  increases  to  such  extent  that  the  agitation  prevents  sleep, 
all  locomotion,  difficulty  of  chewmg  and  swallowing,  etc.,  it  is  called 
paralysis  agitans. 

Treatment. — If  dependent  upon  cerebral  hemorrhage,  the  treatment 
of  apoplexy  should  be  instituted,  and  afterwards  the  use  of  derivatives 
such  as  purgatives,  alteratives,  diuretics,  etc.,  and  the  use  of  local  stim- 
ulants. The  patient  should  be  restricted  in  his  diet,  and  all  causes  of 
cerebral  excitement,  whether  physical  or  moral,  should  be  avoided. 
The  bowels  should  be  well  acted  upon,  and  the  condition  of  the  bladder 
attended  to.  When  the  organic  disease  is  removed,  and  all  symptoms 
of  vascular  excitement  have  subsided,  recourse  should  be  had  to  nux 
vomica,  or  strychnine,  tonics,  and  galvanism.  In  giving  .strychnine,  the 
lowest  dose  should  be  given  at  first,  and  cautiously  increased.  Macrotin, 
viburnin,  xanthoxylin,  and  rhusin  are  also  good  remedies.  The  local 
treatment  consists  in  stimulatmg  liniments,  blisters  to  the  spine,  etc. 

Those  who  may  desire  my  counsel  and  opmion  of  their  cases,  as  to 
nature  and  curableness,  will  please  write  as  directed  on  page  390. 

Hydrophobia. 
This  is  caused  by  the  bite  of  a  mad  dog  or  other  hydrophobic  animals. 
The  human  subject  is  not  as  liabh:  to  hydrophobia  as  the  lower  animals, 
and  it  is  consoling  to  know  that  only  about  one-tenth  of  those  bitten  are 
attacked  by  hydrophobia. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  317 

The  interval  of  the  bite  and  appearance  of  the  disease  varies  from 
twelve  days  to  two  months.  The  wound  heals  like  any  other  bite,  but 
on  approach  of  the  disease  the  scar  begins  to  have  sharp  pains,  and  the 
part  feels  cold,  stiff,  or  numb.  The  j^atieut  feels  a  strange  anxiety,  is 
depressed  in  spirit,  has  an  occasional  chill,  disturbed  sleep,  and  spas- 
modic twitches.  The  appetite  is  lost,  and,  as  the  disease  progresses, 
thirst  appears,  and  he  attempts  to  drink ;  but,  the  moment  the  water 
approaches  his  mouth,  a  spasmodic  shudder  comes  over  him,  he  pushes 
it  back  with  horror,  and  the  awful  fact  of  his  condition  is  known  to  him, 
and  pitiful  expressions  escape  him.  His  throat  becomes  full  of  glain, 
viscid  mucus,  which  he  continually  tries  to  clear  away.  He  strives  to 
bite  his  attendants,  suffers  great  depression  of  spirits,  and  finally  dies 
from  exhaustion,  or  in  a  horrible  spasm. 

Treatment. — The  wound  should  be  cut  out,  cups  or  suction  applied 
to  it,  or  thoroughly  cauterized,  and  the  patient  should  be  kept  quiet. 
Copious  draughts  of  whiskey  have  been  advised  by  some. 

The  red  chickweed  or  scarlet  pimpernel  is  said  to  be  an  absolute  re- 
medy. Four  ounces  of  this  should  be  boiled  in  two  quarts  of  water  un- 
til  reduced  to  one  quart,  and  a  wine-glassful  taken  twice  a  day.  The 
■wound  should  also  be  bathed  by  the  same.  The  common  rose-beetle 
(ceta)iiaamata)^  found  so  commonly  on  rose-bushes,  is  an  effectual  remedy. 
I  desire  in  this  connection  to  draw  attention  to  a  most  absurd,  ridicu- 
lous superstition  which  prevails  ;  that  is,  if  a  person  be  bitten  by  a  dog 
which  is  in  perfect  health,  but  afterwards  goes  mad,  the  person  also  will 
be  affected,  so  they  Insist  upon  the  dog  being  destroyed,  for  fear  it 
should  go  mad  at  any  fu.ture  period.  Instead  of  this  the  dog  should  be 
carefully  taken  care  of.  Patients  would  then  have  the  satisfaction  of 
knowing  that  there  was  nothing  wrong  with  it,  and  their  minds  would 
be  at  rest. 


DISEASES    OF   THE  SKIN. 

Humid  Tetter  (Eczema). 

This  consists  in  the  appearance  of  minute  shining  vesicles,  not  larger 
than  the  head  of  a  small  pin,  on  different  portions  of  the  body.  They 
are  usually  clustered  together,  and  surrounded  by  a  red  ring.  The 
fluid  in  the  vesicles  becomes  opaque  in  a  few  days,  and  finally  forms 
light,  thin  scales,  which  fall  off.  In  most  cases  a  fresh  crop  appears  aa 
soon  as  the  first  crop  is  matui'ed,  in  which  case  yellow  crusts  form  over 
the  diseased  patch,  and  chronic  tetter  exists  for  weeks  or  mouths.  The 
red  eczema  is  the  worst  form  of  this  disease. 

Treatment. — Low  dii^t,  cooling  diinks,  gentle  purgatives  and  warm 
bathe  should  be  prescribed.     The  acetic  tinctiu'e  of  blood-root  should  be 


318 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


externally  applied.     It  speedily  cures  all  cases. 
elm  poultices,  etc. ,  are  also  useful. 


Celandine,  tar,  slippery- 


Tetter,  Shingles  (Herpes). 

Tetter  is  a  transient  non-contagious  eruption,  consisting  of  circum- 
scribed red  patches,  upon  each  of  which  are  situated  clusters  of  vesicles, 
about  the  size  of  a  pea.  After  a  few  days  the  vesicles  break,  pour  out  a 
thin  fluid,  and  form  brown  or  yeUow  crusts,  which  fall  ofE  about  the 
tenth  day,  leaving  the  surface  red  and  irritable.  The  eiiiption  is  attend- 
ed with  heat,  tingling,  fever,  and  restlessness,  especially  at  night. 
Ringworm  is  a  curious  form  of  tetter,  the  mflamed  patches  being  ring- 
like in  form. 

Treatment. — Light  diet,  and  gentle  laxatives.  If  the  patient  is  old 
the  tonics  should  be  given.  The  elder- flower  ointment  is  an  excellent 
external  ai)plication.  The  acetic  tincture  of  lobelia  is  also  good.  No- 
thing better,  however,  can  be  used  than  the  "  Herbal  Ointment,"  men- 
tioned on  page  469. 

iTcn  (Scabies).  ^      ^ 

This  annoying  disease  is  caused  by  minute  white  insects,  the  acarus 
scdbei  or  sarcoptis  /loiyiinis,  which  insinuate  themselves  beneath  the 
Bkin.  It  is  said  that  these  insects  travel  in  pairs,  male  and  female,  hus- 
band and  wife  evidently,  and  that  the  female  is  very  much  the  smaller. 
Under  the  microscope  the  animal  appears  as  in  the  cut,  which  gives  a 


The  Itch  Insect. 


front,  back  and  side  view  of  it.  The  elegance  of  the  animal  is  beyond 
question,  mid  his  mode  of  burrowing  under  the  skin  is  sagacious.  ^\^Ien 
placed  upon  the  skin  he  proceeds  to  make  a  hole  through  it,  which  he 
does  by  hia  head  and  fure-ieet.   Into  this  he  insinuates  his  whole  body. 


THE  COMrLETE  HERBALIST.  319 

Like  the  mole,  he  makes  a  channel  many  times  his  own  length,  at  the 
end  excavating  a  chamber,  where  he  takes  his  siesta,  and  from  whence 
he  saunters  forth  in  quest  of  provender.  As  age  aj^proaches,  tired  of 
the  home  of  his  youth,  he  digs  onward,  scoops  out  another,  in  which  he 
ends  his  days,  beloved  and  respected  by  all  his  neighbors. 

Itch  is  characterized  by  a  vesicular  eruption,  and  makes  its  appear- 
ance between  the  fingers  and  in  other  soft  portions  of  the  skin.  If  the 
pimples  are  scratched  a  watery  fluid  is  poured  out  which  forms  small 
scabs,  and  if  th§  disease  is  not  cured,  extensive  sores  occur.  It  is  more 
common  among  the  poor,  but  James  I.  of  England  said  that  it  was  only 
fitted  for  kings,  so  excellent  is  the  enjoyment  of  scratching.  It  may  be 
a  royal  luxury,  but  I  am  quite  sure  that  persons  having  the  itch  would 
consent  for  it  to  be  entirely  monopolized  by  kings.  A  siniilar  disease 
is  caused  by  the  aoarus  saechari,  an  insect  very  common  in  brown 
sugar. 

Treatment. — -Whatever  kills  the  Little  animal  will  cure  the  itch.  This 
Is  best  achieved  by  suljihur.  It  should  be  made  into  an  ointment  with 
lard,  and  thoroughly  rubbed  into  the  skin  before  the  fire,  morning  and 
evening  for  a  few  days.  This  will  put  an  end  to  the  "squatter  sove- 
reignty ''  of  whole  colonies.  An  ointment  made  from  veratrum  also  does 
well.  Another  method  is  equally  if  not  more  efficacious.  Rub  the  en- 
tire surface  of  the  body  over  with  soft  soap  for  half  an  hour — then  a 
warm  bath  for  half  an  hoiir,  washing  it  thoroughly  ofP,  and  exciting  the 
fikin  to  active  circulation.  Then  an  ointment,  prepared  as  follows, 
should  be  rubbed  over  the  entire  surface :  Take  eight  ounces  of  lard 
and  into  it  thoroughly  rub  two  ounces  of  flour  of  sulphur,  and  one  ounce 
of  carbonate  of  potash,  making  an  even  and  uniform  mixture,  and  it  ia 
leady  for  use.  This,  after  it  has  remained  on  the  skin  for  three  hours, 
may  be  well  washed  off,  and  the  disease  is  entirely  annihilated.  In  per- 
bons  of  tender  skin,  or  where  considerable  inflammation  has  been  set 
up  by  continued  scratching,  it  may  be  necessary  to  anoint  with  hard 
Boap  instead  of  soft,  for  it  does  not  contain  as  much  alkali,  and  leave 
out  the  carbonate  of  potash  in  the  ointment — for  reason  of  its  being  too 
stimulating.  In  these  instances,  it  will  take  longer  to  cure  the  disease, 
but  it  is  just  as  certain  in  its  results.  This  mode  of  treating  this  dis- 
ease is  an  entirely  successful  one — and  no  one  need  "  to  scratch "  if 
these  simple  directions  be  attended  to. 

Watery  Blebs  (Pemphigus). 

This  is  characterized  by  loss  of  appetite,  febrile  symptoms,  at  first,  fol- 
lowed by  a  bright  red  eruption  of  a  smarting  or  burning  sensation.  In 
the  centre  of  this  eruption,  minute  vesicles  appear,  which  gradually  en- 
large in  blisters  in  the  shape  of  bubbles  and  contain  a  wateiy  fluid.  They 
vary  in  size  from  a  split  pea  to  that  of  a  hen's  egg,  and  rise  very  rapidly. 


820  THE    COMPLETE    nCHDALIST. 

and  break  in  a  few  days,  leaving  a  raw  surface,  which  soon  becomea 
covered  with  a  crust. 

Treatment. — The  surface  of  the  body  should  be  bathed,  and  the 
bowels  opened  by  a  gentle  purge.  The  inllamed  surface  should  be  cov- 
ered by  a  slippery-elm  poultice,  and  be  kept  moist  with  tincture  of 
lobelia.  When  the  constitution  is  feeble,  quinine,  alnuin,  etc.,  should 
be  given.  The  diet  should  receive  especial  attention,  and  out-door  ex- 
ercise enjoyed. 

RUPIA, 

This  is  a  small  blister,  or  vesicle,  about  the  size  of  a  chestnut,  which 
at  first  contains  a  darkish  fluid,  which  dries  into  a  crust,  falls  off,  and 
leaves  an  indolent  ulcer.  It  is  always  connected  with  a  vitiated  consti- 
tution, and  is  dependent  frequently  upon  imperfect  diet,  although 
chronic  disease,  such  as  syphilis,  phthisis,  dyspepsia,  and  poisonous 
mineral  medicines,  not  unfrequently  produce  it. 

Tre.\tment. — The  digestive  organs  should  be  corrected,  and  the 
blood  nourished  and  eniiched  by  wholesome  diet  and  tonics.  The  local 
applications  should  consist  of  emollient  poultices,  and  kept  constantly 
moist  with  the  tincture  of  hydrastin,  baptisin,  or  myrrh.  A  poultice 
of  equal  parts  of  baybeny,  white  pond -lily  and  slippeiy-elm  is  very  bene- 
ficial. The  cause,  however,  is  always  to  be  ascertained  before  the  treat- 
ment is  interjjosed. 

Crusted  Tetter  (Impetigo). 

The  eruption  in  this  disease  consists,  at  first,  in  slightly  elevated  pus- 
tules or  pimples,  closely  collected  together,  with  an  inllamed  edge. 
These  break,  and  the  surface  becomes  red,  excoriated,  shining,  and  fuU 
of  pores,  through  which  a  thin,  unhealthy  fluid  is  poured  out,  which 
gradually  hardens  into  dark,  yellowish-green  scabs.  These  scabs  some- 
times look  like  honey  dried  upon  the  skin,  and  hence  the  name  of 
"honey  disease."  It  is  very  common  on  the  ears  and  lips  of  children. 
It  is  also  called  the  milk  crv-st,  when  it  covers  the  whole  face. 

Treatment. — Give  a  purgative,  and  let  the  patient  take  a  hot  bath. 
As  a  local  application  equal  parts  of  blood-root  and  white  pond-lily,  say 
one  ounce,  and  cider  vinegar,  six  ounces,  mix,  and  let  stand  twenty -four 
hours,  and  apply  as  a  wash  with  a  sponge  four  or  five  times  a  day.  The 
oxide  of  zinc  ointment  is  also  good,  but  the  best  and  speediest  cure  is 
the  "  Herbal  Ointment,"  described  on  page  469. 

Papulous  Scale  (Ecthyma). 

This  consists  of  mattery  pimples  developed  on  a  highly  inflamed 
ekin,  appearing  chiefly  on  the  extremities  and  rarely  met  with  in  chil- 
dren in  the  acute  form.      It  is  either  acute  or  chronic.      The  cruptiuo  i» 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  32  J 

the  acute  foim  is  preceded  by  a  slight  fever,  and  m  about  thirty-sis 
hours  red  spots  appear  ou  the  skin,  accompanied  by  heat  and  tingling-. 
On  the  second  day,  the  centres  of  these  spots  are  raised  by  the  pus  con- 
tained,  to  which  the  name  of  pldyzaeious  pufitnle  is  given.  This  stage 
is  accompanied  by  much  pain.  Maturation  occurs  from  the  fourth  tc 
the  sixth  day,  and  the  disease  usually  terminates  in  two  weeks.  The 
chronic  form  is  more  common,  and  afflicts  young  children  oftener  than 
adults. 

Treatment. — For  the  acute  form,  low  diet,  gentle  laxatives,  and 
the  application  of  oxide  of  zinc  ointment.  The  pustulated  surface 
should  also  be  covered  with  slippery-elm  poultices,  and  kept  constantly 
moist  with  tincture  of  lobelia.  In  the  chronic  form,  in  addition  to  the 
above,  the  tonics  should  be  given,  and  the  blood  should  be  enriched  by 
proper  medication  and  nutritious  diet. 

Leprosy. 

The  eruption  in  this  disease  makes  its  appearance  as  a  small  red  spot, 
elevated  a  little  above  the  general  skin,  usually  occurring  first  on  the 
limbs.  The  scales  occurring  on  these  patches  occur  in  layers,  one  above 
the  other,  and  have  a  bright  silvery  lustre.  This  is  the  lepra  alphoides. 
The  Hebrew  leprosy  was  a  variety  of  this  form.  What  was  known  as 
the  Leuce  was  generally  not  scaly,  but  consisted  of  smooth,  shining 
patches,  on  which  the  hair  turned  white  and  silky,  and  was  totally  in- 
curable. When  leprosy  is  of  dark  livid  color,  it  is  called  Icpm  nigricans^ 
and  when  copper-colored,  it  is  due  to  syphilis,  and  is  termed  lepi'a  syplii- 
litica.  The  lepro.sy  of  the  Arabs  is  what  is  known  as  El£p)]ianHasis^  and 
the  Greek  leprosy  includes  the  varieties  met  with  at  the  present  day. 
Leprosy  is  endemic  in  Egypt,  in  Java,  and  certain  parts  of  Norway  and 
Sweden. 

Treatment. — The  means  best  adapted  for  its  removal,  are,  a  mild,  un- 
iiTitating  diet,  emollient  fomentations,  sulphui-eous  baths,  fumigations, 
etc. ,  but  often  all  treatment  is  ineffectual.  A  warm  solution  of  the  ses- 
quicarbonate  of  potash  is  effectual  in  some  cases.  An  ointment  of  glyce- 
rine and  hydrastin,  and  the  acetic  tincture  of  blood-root,  are  also  service- 
able, but  as  a  topical  remedy,  nothing  could  be  superior  to  my  "Herbal 
Ointment." 

Dry  Tetter  (Psoriasis). 

This  differs  from  leprosy  in  the  eruption  being  more  irregular.  The 
spots  sometimes  come  out  in  thick  clusters,  and  blend  in  various  ways. 
The  eruption  is  not  circular  as  in  leprosy,  but  consists  of  irregular 
patches  of  every  extent,  and  the  surface  is  more  tender  and  irritable 
than  in   leprosy.       There    are  many  varieties    of   this   disease.       The 


323  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

"  Baker's  Itch,"  "Grocer's  Itch,"  and  "■Washerwoman's  Scall," are  only 
different  varieties  of  psoriasis. 

TiiEATMENT. — The  acetic  tincture  of  blood-root  or  oxide  of  zinc 
ointment,  may  be  applied  to  the  eruption,  and  the  skin  should  be  kept 
clean,  and  the  pores  open.  The  inflammations  may  be  lessened  by 
emollient  and  soothing  applications.  Sea  bathing-  is  very  good.  The 
general  health  should  be  attended  to  in  all  cases,  and  the  tonics  given  in 
necessary  cases. 

Pityriasis. 

This  name  is  from  the  Greek  pityron^  signifying  bran.  It  is  charac- 
terized by  patches  of  yellowish,  or  reddish  yellow  color,  covered  with 
fine  branny  scales,  accompanied  by  smarting,  itching,  and  burning.  It 
may  occur  at  any  part  of  the  body,  under  three  or  four  varieties  of 
form. 

Treatment.  — The  treatment  advised  in  psoriasis  will  answer  in  this 
disease 

Lupus.  ""     ,,^ 

This  is  the  "Jacob's  Ulcer"  of  common  parlance,  and  from  itsj  rapa- 
city it  is  named  Lupus^  which  is  the  Latin  name  for  tcolf.  It  re  also 
called  "noli  me  tangere,"  toucJi  mc  not.  It  occurs  in  a  variety  of  forms, 
generally  upon  the  face.  It  commences  by  slight  thickening  and  eleva- 
tion of  the  skin,  usually  not  larger  than  a  wheat  grain.  A  thin,  hard, 
brownish  scab  appears  on  its  svu-face.  The  disease  extends,  usually 
slowly,  but  sometimes  very  rapidly,  and  cases  have  occurred  where  the 
whole  nose  has  been  destroyed  in  a  mouth.  It  is  very  rapacious,  destroy- 
ing even  the  bones  in  its  progress. 

Treatment. — When  it  first  makes  its  appearance  it  should  be  tho- 
roughly destroyed  with  caustics,  and  healed  by  zinc  ointment.  At  the 
same  time,  the  alteratives  should  be  given.  My  ' '  Blood  Purifier  "  (see 
page  469)  is  excellent  for  this  purpose.  Early  institution  of  treatment 
will  only  prevent  destruction  of  tissue. 

Elephantiasis. 

This  is  characterized  by  the  development  of  tumors  upon  the  skin, 
varying  in  size  from  the  head  of  a  pea  to  that  of  an  apple,  or  even 
larger.  Eventually  these  tumors  ulcerate,  and  discharge  an  unhealthy 
pus,  ta  some  cases  affecting  the  bone,  and  resulting  in  mortification  and 
death.  It  is  endemic  ia  Lisbon.  At  first  there  is  a  discoloration  of  the 
skin  of  the  face,  the  lobes  of  the  car  lengthen,  and  the  wings  of  the  nose 
spread  out ;  then  the  face  becomes  tuberculous,  the  features  are  puffed 
out,  the  lips  thicken,  the  whiskers,  eyebrows,  and  eyelashes  fall  out. 
The  tubercles  ulcerate  after  some  years,  there  is  ozoena,  the  fingers  and 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST,  323 

boes  mortify,  and  the  body  exhales  a  most  loathsome  odor.     This  is  the 
leprosy  of  the  ancient  Egyptians. 

Treatment. — The  parts  should  be  thoroughly  bathed  with  a  strong 
solution  of  the  scsquicarbonate  of  potash,  and  stillingia  and  other 
alteratives  administered.  Where  the  parts  become  swoUen,  painting 
with  the  tincture  of  iron,  followed  by  astringent  poultices,  has  been 
found  very  beneficial.  When  confijied  to  the  extremities,  amputation 
may  become  necessary. 

Acne. 

This  is  a  small  pimple  or  tubercle  which  appears  on  various  parts  of 
the  face.  The  disease  leads  to  no  particular  evil  results,  save  that  it  is 
unpleasant,  slightly  painful,  and  disfiguring.  It  commonly  afflicts  the 
young  and  robust  of  both  sexes,  and  generally  indicates  strong  passions, 
and  too  great  an  indulgence  in  animal  food,  or  neglect  of  ablutions  and 
out-of-door  exercise.  It  is  sometimes,  in  its  more  severe  forms,  the 
consequence  of  solitary  practices.  The  common  form  of  the  disease  is 
an  eruption  of  hard,  distinct,  inflamed  tubercles  which  remain  un- 
changed for  a  long  time,  or  else  slowly  advance  to  partial  suppura- 
tion. They  are  to  be  seen  on  the  forehead,  cheeks,  and  chm,  and 
sometimes  on  the  nose.  It  is  commonly  known  as  the  brandy  face  or 
rum  blots. 

Treatment. — Attention  to  the  general  health  becomes  necessary. 
It  is  not  well  to  drive  them  in  by  lotions,  as  they  are  then  liable  to 
break  out  in  some  internal  organ.  Attention  to  diet,  plenty  of  ex- 
ercise, a  pure  imagination,  and  a  clean  body,  together  with  open  and 
regular  bowels,  wUl  soon  effect  the  disappearance  of  this  troublesome 
enemy  of  good  looks. 

Warts  and  Corns. 

Warts  consist  of  collections  of  hypertrophied  cutaneous  papillae,  or 
loops  of  veins,  arteries  and  nerves.  These  loops,  frequently,  without 
any  apparent  cause,  take  on  a  disposition  to  grow,  and  by  extending 
themselves  upward,  they  carry  the  scarf-skin  along  with  them,  which 
thickens,  and  the  whole  forms  the  wart. 

Corns  consist  in  excrescences  confined  mostly  to  the  toes  and  soles  of 
the  feet,  resulting  from  wearing  tight  shoes.  They  occasionally  form 
on  the  elbows  and  knees,  or  on  the  extremities  of  the  fingers.  When 
occurring  between  the  toes,  they  are  called  soft  corns. 

Bunions  consist  of  an  enlargement,  tliickening,  and  inflammation  of 
the  mucous  bursa  at  the  side  of  the  ball  of  the  great  toe.  Occasionally 
the  bursa  suppurates,  and  a  fistulous  oi^ening  left  after  the  pus  has 
evacuated. 

Treatment. — Corns  may  be   ciu'ed   by  shaving  them  closely  and 


324  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

applying  nitro-muriatic  acid  or  chromic  acid  ointment.  For  soft  corns 
acetic  acid  is  better.  Warts  should  be  clipped  off  with  the  scissors,  and 
chromic  acid  applied,  or  any  other  cauterizing  agent  will  answer.  The 
tincture  of  thuja  is  also  excellent.  Bunions  are  cured  by  bathing  them 
frequently  in  the  oil  of  erigeron. 

Pruritis. 

This  is  dependent  upon  an  altered  condition  of  the  nerves  of  the  skin, 
and  consists  in  a  painful  sensation  of  itching.  There  is  no  perceptible 
alteration  in  the  appearance  of  the  skin,  and  the  itching  is  generally  the 
result  of  sympathy,  through  the  nerves,  with  some  diseased  condition  of 
a  distant  part.  It  more  frequently  affects  the  fundament,  the  scrotum, 
or  the  vulva  of  females. 

Treatment. — The  following  is  usually  all  the  treatment  that  is  re- 
quired : — Take  oleo-resin  of  lobelia,  grs.  xx ;  aconitin,  grs.  iij  ;  sul- 
phate of  sanguinaria,  grs.  x  ;  glycerine,  3  ij.  Mix.  Apply  the  omtment 
to  the  part  three  or  four  times  a  day.  Lead-water  and  opium  are 
also  beneficial. 

.\ 
Macule,  or  Spots. 

This  affection,  which  is  characterized  by  an  increased  hue  of  tfee  pig- 
ment of  the  skin,  consists  of  freckles  and  moles.  EpheUs  lenticular  is, 
or  common  freckles,  appears  in  small  3'ellowish,  brownish,  or  greenish- 
yellow,  irregular,  rounded  spots,  caused  particularly  by  the  influence 
of  the  sun's  rays  upon  the  parts.  It  occurs  generally  in  females, 
owing  to  their  fine  skin.  EpheUs  hepatiai  is  observed  in  females 
during  pregnancy.  EpheUs  violacea  is  caused  by  the  long  use  of 
nitrate  of  silver.  Moles  are  dark  colored  patches,  usually  covered 
with  hair.  Need  or  motker^s  marks  are  called  aneurisms  by  anas- 
tomosis, or  an  inter-connection  and  enlargement  of  the  arterioles  of 
the  skin.  Leuc<:>])athia,  or  Albinif<m,  consists  of  a  diminution  of  the 
coloring  matter  of  the  skin.  It  is  found  in  all  races,  but  is  most  strik- 
ing in  the  black. 

Treatment. — Freckles  may  be  removed  by  keeping  out  of  the  sun, 
and  frequently  washing  the  face  in  a  solution  of  lactic  acid.  Fresh 
buttermilk  answers  the  same  purpose.  The  best  remedy,  however, 
is  to  be  found  in  my  "Floral  Bloom."  It  quickly  removes  freckles, 
moth  patches,  etc.,  and  makes  the  skin  clear  and  transparent.  Moles 
and  mother's  marks  belong  to  surgery,  and  may  in  many  instances  be 
removed.     Albinism  is  incurable. 

Scalleu  Head  (Tinea  Favosa). 

This  is  caused  by  an  insect  by  the  name  of  achorioii  Sehi'nileinii.  The 
eruption  tijvcs  the  shape  of  large  flattened  pustules,   which  have  an 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  325 

irregular  edge,  and  are  surrotmded  by  inflammation.  Sometimes  they 
appear  first  behind  the  ears,  and  at  other  times  upon  the  face,  spread- 
ing thence  to  the  scalp.  The  face  is  usually  involved  to  some  extent 
wherever  the  eruption  may  originally  show  itself.  Scalled  head  ia 
mostly  confined  among  children.  In  the  outset  of  the  disease  the  pus- 
tules on  the  scalp  are  generally  distinct ; — on  the  face  they  rise  in 
iiregular  clusters.  They  are  attended  by  much  itching,  and  the  efforts 
to  relieve  this  torment  hasten  their  breaking.  When  broken  they 
discharge  a  viscid  matter  and  run  together,  gradually  forming  sores  of  a 
vicious  character.  These  sores  are  covered  by  yellowish-greenish  scabs 
which  present  a  revolting  appearance. 

Treatment. — The  hair  should  be  shaved  close  to  the  scalp,  and  the 
head  thoroughly  washed  with  soap  and  water,  after  which  the  zinc  oint- 
ment should  be  applied  in  the  morning  and  the  tar  ointment  in  the  even- 
ing. Alteratives  should  also  be  given.  This  course,  if  persisted  in,  wiU 
remove  the  disease. 

Tinea  Sycosis. 

This  is  commonly  known  as  "Barber's  Itch,"  and  is  confined  to  the 
face,  especially  to  that  portion  covered  by  the  beard.  It  is  character- 
ized by  inflammation  of  the  hair  follicles,  causing  an  eruption  of  small 
pustules  forming  incrustations  eventually.  It  may  be  consoling  to  those 
who  suffer  with  it  to  know  that  it  is  caused  by  a  parasite  with  the  humble 
name  of  microHporon  mentagrapliytes. 

Treatment. — Shave  the  beard,  and  paint  the  part  with  a  strong  tinc- 
ture of  iodine  for  a  few  days.  Follow  this  with  a  poultice,  composed  of 
equal  parts  of  lobelia,  blood-root,  myrrh,  and  slippery-elm.  Depilation, 
or  pulling  out  the  beard,  may  be  necessary  in  some  cases  to  effect  the 
cure. 

Baldness  (ALorECiA). 

This  may  be  partial  or  general,  temporary  or  permanent,  and  occur  at 
any  period  of  life.  Senile  baldness  usually  takes  jalace  gradually,  the 
hair  first  becoming  thin  on  the  crown,  or  on  the  temples  and  forehead. 
It  is  owing  generally  to  the  general  loss  of  the  nutritive  functions  of  the 
hair,  and  of  the  follicular  apparatus.  Loss  of  color  of  the  hair  (canities) 
may  depend  upon  advanced  age,  disease,  or  deep  mental  emotion.  It 
usually  occurs  gradually,  after  the  age  of  forty.  Cases  are  recorded  in 
which  the  loss  of  color  was  complete  in  eight  days,  while  in  others  the 
hair  was  almost  completely  blanched  in  a  single  night. 

Treatment.  — If  the  hair  f  oUicles  are  not  destroyed,  baldness  may  be 
cured.  The  tincture  of  cantharides,  lac  sulphur,  shampooing,  etc.,  are 
each  to  be  recommended.  Tonics  and  strict  cleanliness  also  promotes 
the  growth  of  the  hair.     In  my  ' '  Woodland  Balm  "  (page  469)  the  bald 


326  THE    COMPLETE    HERRALIST. 

or  graj  -will  find  a  remedy  which  has  no  supeiior  for  restoring  the  hair 
to  a  healthy  growth  and  natural  color. 

Entozoa. 

These  grow  in  the  body  without  forming  attachments  to  its  structures, 
have  an  independent  life  of  their  own,  and  possess  the  power  of  repro- 
duction and  generation.  Several  species  infest  the  human  body,  some 
appearing  always  in  the  same  organ  and  some  in  a  particular  tissue,  and 
appearing  oftenest  where  that  tissue  is  plentiful.  Scarcely  any  portion 
of  the  body  is  exempt  from  such  growths.  Their  origin  is  a  subject  for 
two  suppositions — that  of  generative  reproduction,  and  of  accidental  or 
spontaneous  development  of  germs  that  take  on  modes  of  life  and  devel- 
opment characterizing  them  afterwards.  The  first  supposition  is  more 
philosophical,  comports  more  with  analogy,  and  is  unquestionably  the 
true  theory.  The  interest  attached  to  these  growths,  however,  is  their 
effect  upon  the  system  and  cause  of  disease.  Their  presence  in  the  sys- 
tem causes  morbid  phenomena,  disordered  functional  action,  and  loss  of 
health.  The  mischief  they  do  in  the  system  depends  upon  their  number, 
size,  rapidity  of  growth,  and  species.  When  numerous  or  iarge  they 
imbibe  so  much  nutriment  as  to  rob  the  system  of  its  necessary  susten- 
ance. Their  habitation  is  generally  a  seat  of  irritation  or  intlamiiiition, 
and  more  particularly  when  their  location  is  in  a  cavity,  and  when  they 
possess  power  of  motion. 

Psychodiara.—IIi/datids.— These  are  organized  bemgs,  consisting  of  a 
globe-like  bag  of  albuminous  matter ;  the  texture  divided  in  layers,  and 
containing  a  limpid,  colorless  fluid  richer  in  gelatin  than  albumen.  They 
live  by  imbibition,  have  no  sensibility  or  power  of  motion,  and  appear 
more  like  a  vegetable  than  an  animal  in  their  modes  of  life  and  repro- 
duction. There  are  two  kinds  of  hydatids,  the  acephidocyst,  or  cyst 
without  a  head,  and  the  echiiiococciis,  which  is  not  different  from  the 
other  in  form  but  in  containing  minute  animals  (vermiculi  echinococci) 
■within  it.  The  former  is  common  to  the  human  body,  and  generated  be- 
tween layers  of  membrane.  The  usual  abode  of  hydatids  is  in  the  lungs, 
liver,  ovaries,  spleen,  kidneys,  etc.  The  hydatids  occuiTing  in  the  womb 
are  often  mistaken  upon  expulsion  for  products  of  conception,  and  their 
presence  in  that  organ  often  produces  similar  signs  as  in  pregnancy. 

SterdmintJin. — These  consist  of  solid  porous  texture,  perforated  by 
canals  or  cavities,  which  serve  the  purposes  of  digestion.  These  animals 
ure  hermaphrodite,  i.  e.,  having  both  sexual  organs  on  one  individual. 
The  varieties  of  tapeworm  belong  to  this  class.  So  also  the  cystlcercm, 
which  occurs  in  the  muscular  structure  and  in  the  wateiy  portion  of  the 
eye.  The  Hver-fluke— f/i.s'M«a  hepatieum — also  belongs  to  this  class 
but  which  rarely  occurs  in  man,  but  is  supposed  to  cause  the  well-knowa 
"  rot "  in  sheep. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  327 

CcelelmintM.— This  class  has  a  higher  organic  development  than  the 
preceding.  It  embraces  several  species  of  worms  having  hollow  cylin- 
drical bodies,  distinct  alimentary  canals,  with  a  mouth  at  one  extremity 
and  an  anus  at  the  other,  a  nervous  system,  and  the  sexual  organs 
on  different  animals.  The  common  intestinal  worms  belong  to  this 
class  ;  so  also  the  tnchina  spiralis— causing  the  disease  described  below 
which  is  an  animal  which  exists  within  the  minute,  white,  ovate  cysts 
imbedded  in  the  muscles.  The  guinea-worm  {filaria  medimnsis),  so 
common  to  Africa  and  Asia,  but  unknown  in  this  coimtry,  is  a  hair-like 
worm  developed  beneath  the  skm,  especially  in  the  scrotum  and  lower 
extremities  It  can  be  withdrawn  when  a  pustule  ensues,  by  care  and 
patience,  wrapping  it  around  a  stick  until  the  end  appears. 

The  strongulus  (jlgas  is  an  animal  that  locates  itself  exclusively  in  the 
kidney,  and  sometimes  attains  an  enormous  size.  Its  body  is  round, 
but  tapers  toward  both  ends.  It  sometimes  attains  a  length  of  three 
feet,  and  a  thickness  of  half  an  inch.  It  causes  impau-ment  of  func- 
tions, waste  of  the  renal  structure,  and  sometimes  inflammation,  with 
pain  and  bloody  urine.  It  is  sometimes  expelled  through  the  water 
passages. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  parasites  is  indicated  by  their  char- 
acter or  place  of  abode.  If  they  exist  in  the  alimentary  canal,  such 
remedies  as  are  known  to  expel  them  should  be  employed.  Anything  is 
a  good  remedy  that  is  harmless  to  the  system  but  destructive  of  life  to 
them.  Various  agents  are  poisonous,  such  as  cherry-laurel  water,  cam- 
phor, oil  of  cubebs,  oil  of  turpentine,  copaiba,  etc.,  but  these  must  be 
employed  at  proper  seasons  and  in  such  quantities  that  they  will  not 
harm  the  general  system. 

TRICIirNIASIS. 

This  is  a  disease  caused  by  the  tricliina  spiralis  which  infests  various 
animals,  especially  swine.  If  the  meat  of  the  hog  affected  is  eaten  raw 
or  insufBciently  cooked,  it  is  most  lilcely  to  cause  this  dangerous  disease. 
Thorough  cooking  destroys  the  parasites.  The  symptoms  are  extensive 
gastric  disturbance,  with  nausea  and  a  tendency  to  vomit ;  associated 
with  rheumatic  pains,  stiffness  of  the  muscles,  irregular  pulse,  intermit- 
tent fever,  which  is  violently  aggravated  iu  paroxysms,  thirst,  restless- 
ness, j^ervous  excitement,  and  utter  wakefulness.  The  face  generally 
swells,  great  prostration  ensues,  and  the  patient  generally  dies  in  a  para- 
lyzed condition. 

Treatment. — In  the  early  stage  an  active  lobelia  emetic  should  be 
given,  and  followed  by  a  full  dose  of  castor  oil  or  spirits  of  turjientine. 
An  alcoholic  vapor  bath  shotdd  be  taken,  and  sufficient  veratrum  to 
control  the  fever.  If  sleeplessness  prevails,  opium  should  be  given. 
The  above  treatment  may  be  repeated  if  not  at  first  successful. 


328  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 


THE  PROPER  CARE  OF  CHILDREN. 

The  first  requisite  of  an  infant  is  plenty  of  pure  and  fresh  air.  It 
should  be  kept  in  open  air  as  much  as  possible,  and  when  in-doors  in 
weU-ventilated  rooms.  When  carried  in  the  open  air,  their  heads 
Bhould  not  be  enveloped  in  blankets,  and  when  sleeping,  their  faces 
should  not  be  covered  with  the  bed-clothes.  The  infant  needs  and 
should  have  all  the  oxygen  a  pure  air  affords,  which  is  so  essential  to 
its  proper  growth. 

The  Skin. — The  skin  of  infants  sho^^ld  be  kept  clean,  to  render  them 
less  liable  to  cutaneous  diseases.  The  unctuous  covering  of  a  new-bom 
child  should  be  removed  as  soon  as  possible.  This  can  readily  be  done 
by  smearing  it  with  pure  lard,  and  then  washing  with  white  Castile 
soap  and  water.  Do  not  use  the  brown  Castile  soap,  as  it  contains 
oxides  of  iron,  which  are  iiTitating  substances.  Infants  should  be 
washed  eveiy  day  with  warm  water,  to  be  followed  in  course  of  timo 
with  tepid  water,  then  temperate,  and  finally,  at  an  age  of  some 
months,  with  cold  water.  ^ 

Clothing. — The  young  child  should  be  amply  clothed,  care  being 
taken  that  they  are  sufficiently  loose,  to  admit  free  motion  in  all  direc- 
tions. Flannels  should  be  placed  next  to  the  skin  in  winter,  and  cotton 
in  summer. 

Food. — Proper  regimen  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  the  health  of 
the  young.  Until  the  fii'st  teething,  the  proper  and  natural  food  is  the 
mother's  milk.  If  the  mother  is  unable  to  nurse  her  child,  a  wet-nurse 
should  be  procvired.  If  the  mother's  milk  is  insufficient,  cow's  milk, 
sufficiently  diluted  with  water  and  sweetened  with  loaf  sugar,  should 
be  taken  in  addition.  This  should  be  taken  from  a  sucking-bottle, 
which,  when  not  in  use,  should  be  kept  in  water,  to  prevent  becoming 
sour.  A  nursing  woman  should  pay  the  greatest  attention  to  her 
health  also,  and,  for  obvious  reasons,  a  scrofulous  or  consumptive 
mother  should  never  suckle  her  offspring  ;  she  should  also  place  a  check 
upon  her  passions,  as  violent  passion,  grief,  envy,  hatred,  fear,  jealousy, 
etc. ,  tend  to  derange  the  character  of  the  milk,  and  often  superinduce 
disorder  of  the  infant's  stomach,  and  throw  it  into  convulsions.  The 
diet  of  the  mother  should  receive  strict  attention.  Her  drink  should 
be  simply  water,  or  weak  black  tea,  and  her  food  plain  and  wholesome. 
Pastry  and  the  richer  articles  of  food  should  not  be  eaten.  She  should 
take  daily  moderate  exercise  to  induce  better  assimilation  of  aliments. 
When  her  milk  is  scanty,  a  sufficiency  can  frequently  be  induced  by 
placing  a  bread  and  milk  poultice,  over  which  a  moderate  quantity  of 
mustard  is  sprinkled,  on  the  breasts. 

Weaning.  — The  child  should  be  weaned  after  the  appearance  of  ita 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  329 

first  teeth.  Nature  then  designs  it  to  have  different  food.  Spring  and 
fall  are  the  proper  seasons  for  weaning  ;  no  child  should  be  taken  from 
the  breast  in  the  midst  of  summer.  The  weaning  shoiUd  be  a  gradual 
process,  and  the  food  to  be  given  should  be  of  the  character  of  milk. 
Bread  and  milk,  boiled  rice  and  milk,  soda-crackers  and  milk,  soft  boiled 
eggs,  roasted  potatoes  and  milk,  preparations  of  sago,  arrowroot, 
tapioca,  oatmeal  gruel,  rice  pudding,  and  similar  substances  are  all 
indicated.  My  nutritive  fluids,  given  on  page  205,  can  also  be  given 
with  good  service.  From  these,  in  course  of  time,  more  solid  articles 
of  food  can  be  given  them.  Sugar  in  moderate  quantities  is  whole- 
some. Excessive  eating  shovdd  not  be  suffered.  Water  is  the  best 
drink. 

Sleep.  — A  child  should  always  sleep  in  a  loose  gown,  to  prevent  restless- 
ness. Nature  should  govern  its  sleep,  and  which  should  never  be  induced 
by  opiates.  It  should  be  allowed  to  sleep  to  a  natural  awakening,  and 
should  not  be  aroused  for  any  avoidable  purpose.  Its  covering  should  be 
warm  but  Uyht.^  thus  avoiding  pressure  upon  its  tender  limbs ;  the  infant 
should  lie  on  its  side,  alternating  at  times  from  right  to  left,  to  prevent 
distortion  of  the  spine.  The  body  should  be  placed  with  the  head  to  the 
north,  and  this  rule  applies  to  all,  as  the  action  of  electric  currents  is  to 
the  north,  thus  allowing  greater  repose  to  the  brain.  Strong  sunlight 
or  moonshine  should  be  excluded  from  their  sleeping  apartments.  What 
I  have  thus  far  written  is  not  only  preservative  of  good  health,  but 
preventive  of  many  species  of  illness  to  which  infants  are  liable.  Chil- 
dren are  very  liable  to  disease,  necessitating  great  precaution  in  a 
variety  of  matters,  the  most  important  of  which  are  the  foregoing. 
When  it  is  known  that  death  destroys  about  one  half  of  humanity  before 
the  age  of  five  years,  the  physical  life  of  ch'^dren  is  of  the  utmost 
importance.  While  young,  the  moral,  intellectual,  and  religious  facul- 
ties should  be  shaped,  as  the  child  often  indicates  the  man. 

The  baby  exhibits  indisposition  by  cries,  struggles,  etc.,  and  if 
these  are  carefully  noted,  every  mother  may  know  what  ails  the 
baby. 

A  baby  suffering  from  stomach-ache  sheds  tears  copiously.,  and  utters 
long  and  loud  cries.  As  stomach-ache  is  paroxysmal  in  character,  so  will 
its  cries  remit,  and  enjoy  repose,  to  be  followed  by  movements  up  and 
down  of  the  legs  and  the  peculiar  cry. 

To  cry  in  inflammation  of  the  organs  of  the  chest  is  painful ;  it  there- 
fore does  not  cry  or  shed  tears,  but  utters  a  muttering  cry,  abruptly 
completed,  and  coughs  after  long  breaths. 

In  diseases  of  the  brain,  the  child  shrieks  piercingly,  followed  by 
moaning  and  wailing.  In  extensive  congestion,  there  is  quiet  dozing 
and  probably  snoring. 

Loss  of  appetite,  fretfulness,  restlessness,  thirst,  great  heat  of  skin. 


330  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

are  all  indications  of  disease,  and  require  that  solicitude  and  treatment 
that  every  fond  mother  should  know  how  to  bestow. 

Teething. 

Many  children  are  lost  from  teething.  The  process  of  dentition  often 
occasions  fits.  Its  symptoms  are,  swollen  and  inflamed  gnms,  fever, 
pain,  and  heat  in  the  head,  sore  mouth,  etc.  Scarification  of  the  gums 
is  often  resorted  to ;  but  if  proper  attention  be  paid  to  the  case  iu  its 
inception,  no  such  barbarous  and  injurious  method  of  palliation  need 
be  embraced.  Bathing  the  head  with  dUuted  spirits,  and  the  feet  with 
warm  mustard  water;  keeping  the  bowels  free  and  regular  by  the 
simplest  of  herbal  laxatives ;  and  placing  a  plaster  (composed  of  two- 
thirds  flour  mustard,  one-third  flour,  and  sufficient  vinegar  to  produce 
the  requisite  moisture)  between  the  shoulders,  will  generally  obviate  all 
danger  and  mitigate  the  pain  and  suffering.  "When  the  speckled  sore 
mouth  incidental  to  teething  makes  its  appearance,  treat  the  child  as 
above,  but  wash  the  mouth  with  a  mild  solution  of  borax,  and  use  for 
diet  (if  the  child  be  weaned)  gum-arabic  water,  and  barley  or  rice 
water.  If  the  stomach  is  acid,  and  the  bowels  are  gi-iping,  admpister 
mild  doses  of  magnesia.  Warm  baths  are  always  beneficial  to  children 
who  are  teething ;  but  great  care  should  be  taken  that  the  littlei  ones 
do  not  catch  cold  after  the  baths. 

The  teeth  should  appear  about  the  sixth  month,  though  it  is  often 
later.  The  two  incisors  of  the  lower  jaw  are  generally  the  first,  and 
then  those  of  the  upper  jaw  follow.  Between  the  twelfth  and  sixteenth 
months  the  grinders  come,  and  next  the  eye  teeth.  The  others  soon 
follow,  so  that  by  the  age  of  two  years,  the  child  has  its  full  set  of 
mUk  teeth,  twenty  in  number.  There  are  instances  of  children  being 
bom  with  full  sets  of  teeth,  as  is  recorded  of  Richard  III.  and  Louis 
XIY. 


GENERAL    DISEASES. 

Gout. 

This  is  duo  to  the  presence  of  lithic  or  uric  acid  in  the  blood.  The 
attack  usually  makes  its  appearance  in  the  night.  The  i^atient  is  first 
awakened  by  an  intensely  burning  and  wrenchuig  pain  in  the  ball  of  the 
gi-eat  toe,  or  some  other  small  joint.  This  pain  continues  for  about 
twenty-four  hours,  and  is  accompanied  by  fever.  It  then  remits,  and 
the  patient  may  get  sleep,  though  for  several  successive  days  he 
fcuffcrs  from  the  attacks.  A  similar  visitation  will  likely  result  after  a 
considerable  interval.  Recovery  from  the  first  attack  may  be  complete 
—the  skin  peeling  off  from  the  red  and  swollen  joint,  !uid  leaving  it  strong 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  331 

and  snpple  as  ever ;  but,  after  several  repetitions  of  the  attacks,  the  joint 
becomes  stiff,  owing  to  the  deposit  of  lithic  acid  concretions  or  chnlk 
ktones.  It  is  a  disease  entirely  local  in  its  character.  It  vitiates  the 
blood,  affects  the  general  system,  and  the  attack  is  generally  preceded 
by  general  symptoms,  irritability  of  temper,  unpleasant  sensations  in  the 
stomach  and  head,  and  uncomfortable  feelings  of  body  and  mind  are 
premonitory  symptoms  of  this  disorder.  The  paki  is  most  excruciating. 
The  stomach,  heart,  lungs,  head,  eyes,  etc. ,  may  also  be  subject  to  gouty 
inflammation.  It  is  caused  by  luxury  and  indolence,  in  the  plurality  of 
cases. 

Treatment. —During  the  paroxysm  the  anodynes  should  be  given 
and  apphed  ;  subcutaneous  injection  of  morphine  is  best.  The  constitu- 
tional treatment  should  be  composed  of  chimaphilin  and  apocynin  in 
combination  ;  colchicum  is  also  a  very  good  remedy ;  chloroform  liniment 
may  also  be  externally  appUed.  The  patient's  habits  must  be  regulated, 
and  his  diet  simplified,  to  prevent  recurrence  of  the  disease. 

Those  who  may  desire  consultation  with  the  author,  in  regard  to  this 
disease,  are  referred  to  page  390.  Consultations,  either  in  person  or  by 
letter,  from  those  who  may  desire  treatment,  are  carefully  and  gratui- 
tously attended  to. 

Rheumatism:. 

This  very  painful  affection  is  most  frequently  brought  on  by  exposure 
to  wet  and  cold  after  violent  and  fatiguing  exercise  of  the  muscles.  The 
acute  form  is  characterized  by  high  fever,  with  a  full  bounding  pulse, 
furred  tongue,  and  a  profuse  sweat  which  has  a  sour  smell.  The  urine 
is  scanty  and  high  colored  ;  the  joints  swell  and  are  slightly  red  and  very 
tender.  The  pain  is  agonizing  when  the  patient  attempts  to  move.  If 
the  aif ection  changes  from  one  part  to  another  it  is  called  metastatic^ 
and  is  very  dangerous,  as  it  may  suddenly  seize  the  lining  membrane  of 
the  heart,  and  prove  fatal. 

The  chronic  form  may  follow  the  acute  form,  but  is  more  often  an  in- 
dependent disease.  It  differs  from  the  acute  form  in  the  absence  of 
fever.  The  fingers  and  limbs  may  frequently  be  rendered  useless  by 
rheumatism,  by  the  great  distortion  ensuing.  It  is  due  to  the  presence 
of  lactic  acid  in  the  blood. 

Treatment. — The  bowels  should  be  evacuated  by  a  purgative,  and 
the  tinctures  of  black  cohosh  and  veratrum  given  until  free  perspiration 
is  produced.  The  tincture  of  black  cohosh,  two  parts,  and  tincture  of 
colchicum,  one  part,  in  doses  of  from  twenty  to  forty  drops,  is  also  a  very 
valuable  remedy.  For  articular  rheumatism  the  alteratives  should  be 
given.  My  "  Blood  Purifier"  is  a  sure  and  efficient  cure,  and  the  pain  is 
almost  instantly  relieved  by  the  apiilication  of  the  ' '  Herbal  Ointment " 
(see  page    469). 


332  THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

Electricity  may  be  resorted  to  in  the  chronic  form.  The  treatment 
does  not  materially  differ  from  that  advised  in  the  acute. 

Fomentations  of  hops  and  cicuta,  or  stramonium  leaves,  placed  upon 
the  inflamed  and  swollen  joints,  will  materially  relieve  the  pain. 

Rheumatism  in  the  chronic  form  is  often  a  very  difficult  disease  to 
cure  ;  but  if  properly  treated,  hy  purely  chemical  medication,  the  acid 
condition  of  the  blood  will  be  negatived,  and  the  patient  relieved  of  his 
painful  malady.  Of  the  thousands  of  cases  that  have  been  under  my 
care,  I  do  not  recall  one  failure. 

Hip  Disease  (Morbus  Coxarius). 

This  is  a  disease  of  the  hip-joint,  and  common  to  scrofulous  children. 
At  first  there  is  slight  pain,  commonly  felt  in  the  knee,  lameness,  and 
stumbling  in  walking,  tenderness  in  the  gi"oin,  and  pain  is  produced  by 
pressing  the  head  of  the  bone  suddenly  against  the  socket.  The  limb  is 
longer  than  the  other,  which  is  owing  to  a  depression  of  the  pelvis  on 
the  diseased  side,  the  weight  of  the  body  being  supported  on  the  oppo- 
Bite  limb.  If  the  disease  is  not  ai-rested,  destruction  of  the  head  of  the 
bone  and  socket  results,  and  the  thigh-bone  is  drawn  up,  constituting  a 
spontaneous  dislocation.  Often  an  abscess  forms  and  opens  exterijally. 
The  toes  may  be  turned  inward  or  outwai'd.  * 

This  disease  may  be  positively  ascertained  in  the  follo^\'ing  way : — 
Remove  the  clothing  of  the  patient  and  place  him  on  any  flat  surface,  as 
a  bench,  or  table  ;  if  he  is  placed  so  that  the  spine  everj'where  touches 
the  table,  the  i^atient's  knee  on  the  affected  side  will  be  drawn  up,  the 
weight  of  the  leg  resting  on  the  heel.  If  now  his  knee  will  be  pressed 
down,  the  spine  will  be  bent  inwards,  so  that  it  no  longer  touches  the 
table.     This  is  an  unerring  diagnosis. 

Treatment. — At  the  commencement  of  the  disease  a  large  irritating 
plaster  should  be  placed  over  the  entire  hip,  and  caused  to  remain  until 
a  thorough  counter-irritation  is  effected,  and  a  discharge  ensues.  Per- 
fect rest  is  necessary,  and  the  limb  should  be  confined  in  a  caiwcd  splint. 
Iodine  may  also  be  externally  api)lied,  and  the  general  health  improved 
by  tonics,  alteratives,  and  nutritioTis  food.  Counter-extension  as  advised 
in  cases  of  fracture  is  advisable  in  all  cases.  A  competent  siirgeon  should 
direct  the  treatment. 

WniTE  Swelling  (Hydrarthrus). 

This  disease  occurs  most  frcqiiently  about  the  middle  period  of  life, 
but  is,  however,  very  often  seen  in  children.  It  will  never  appear  before 
the  age  of  puberty  without  a  deviation  from  health,  but  not  always  so 
when  it  makes  its  appearance  in  after-life.  It  is  a  disease  of  the  knee- 
joint  characterized  by  swelling  and  white  color,  owing  to  the  tension  of 
the  skin.     It  is  of  two  varieties  ;  both,  however,  destroy  the  sjmovial  or 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  333 

articular  membrane  of  the  joint.  One  begins  with  a  trifling  stiffness, 
slight  swelling,  and  in  effect  reduces  the  membrane  to  a  pulpy,  degen- 
erate mass.  The  swelling  increases  gradual!}',  and  when  the  part  is 
touched,  it  reveals  the  presence  of  fluid.  Finally  the  cartilages  ulcerate, 
and  the  disease  assumes  such  characters  that  amputation  becomes  abso- 
lutely necessary.  The  other  form  begins  with  pain  in  the  joint,  which 
is  severe  at  one  point,  and  attains  its  height  in  a  week.  It  is  character- 
ized by  inflammation  of  the  syno'S'ial  membrane,  and  in  a  few  days  the 
joint  becomes  swollen  from  a  collection  of  water. 

Treatment.— At  the  commencement  bathe  the  jjarts  with  the  follow 
ing  liniment  : — oil  of  hemlock,  3  iv. ;  dissolve  as  much  cami^hor  in  it  as 
it  will  take  up,  and  add  twelve  drops  of  croton  oil,  and  three  drachms  of 
tincture  of  iodine.  Bathe  the  limb  thoroughly,  after  which  apply  hot 
cloths  wrung  from  a  strong  infusion  of  arnica  flowers  and  lobelia,  and 
change  as  often  as  they  grow  cool ;  with  each  change  apply  the  liniment. 
This  wall  arrest  the  disease  if  applied  at  the  onset.  The  patient  shoidd 
be  purged,  and  the  compound  sjTup  of  chimaphila  be  administered  to 
him.  If  the  disease  is  farther  advanced,  and  openings  exist,  they  should 
be  enlarged,  and  ointments  and  poultices  applied,  and  the  constitution 
supported  by  tonics  and  antiseptics.  Sphnts  and  entire  rest  may  be 
necessary  in  some  cases,  and  when  connected  with  a  scrofulous  diathesis, 
my  ' '  Blood  Purifier  "  should  be  taken  internally,  and  the  ' '  Herbal  Oint- 
ment "  applied  externally.     These  will  quickly  eradicate  the  disease. 

Hectic  Fever. 

Hectic  fever  is  remittent,  dependent  upon  local  irritation,  and  rarely, 
if  ever,  idiopathic.  It  is  attended  by  great  and  increasing  debility,  a 
weak,  quick  pulse,  hurried  respiration  on  any  exertion,  and  increased 
heat  of  the  skin.  The  febrile  exacerbations  are  preceded  by  a  slight 
chfll,  are  slight  at  first,  but  soon  become  more  evident,  especiaUy  in  the 
evening.  The  skin  is  at  first  dry,  and  the  increased  heat  is  more  evident 
in  the  hands  and  face.  The  fever  terminates  in  a  free,  profuse  perspira- 
tion. The  bowels  are  at  first  costive,  but  soon  become  relaxed,  and  an 
exhausting  diarrhoea  comes  on ;  the  urine  is  various,  generally  it  is  pale, 
and  does  not  deposit ;  while  there  is  generally  a  pallor  of  the  surface, 
the  cheeks  present  what  is  aptly  termed  the  '' hectic  blush."  As  the 
disease  advances,  the  whole  frame  becomes  emaciated,  the  eyes  sink  in 
their  orbits,  but  are  brilliant  and  expressive ;  the  ankles  and  legs  some- 
times swell,  and  the  sleep  is  feverish  and  disturbed.  Finally  the  debility 
becomes  so  great  that  the  jjatient  expii'es  while  making  some  slight 
exertion. 

Hectic  fever  accompanies  nearly  all  forms  of  disease  connected  with 
great  debility,  especially  scrofula  and  consumption.  It  may  also  be  met 
with  in  surgical  practice  in  disease  or  injury  of  the  joints. 


334  THE  COMPLETK  HERBALIST. 

Treatment. — This  depends  much  upon  the  cause  or  causes  which 
give  rise  to  it.  If  the  digestive  mucous  membrane  is  diseased,  the 
treatment  consists  in  strict  attention  to  diet,  and  in  the  administration 
of  tonics,  diaphoretics,  and  diuretics.  The  antiseptics  should  be  given. 
Strychnine  in  doses  of  one-eighth  of  a  grain  is  decidedly  the  best  agent 
for  this  piu-pose.  CheiTy-laurel  water  should  also  be  given.  The  fever 
is  controlled,  like  other  fevers,  with  veratrum.  If  associated  with  con- 
eumption,  the  "  Acacian  Balsam  "  (page  4G9)  will  cure  it.  Stimulants  are 
very  serviceable  to  counteract  the  debility.  Generous  diet  and  clean- 
liness are  not  to  be  neglected. 

Curvature  of  the  Spine. 

Curvature  of  the  spine  is  due  to  caries  or  destruction  of  the  bodies 
of  the  vertebrae.  There  are  several  varieties  of  curvature ;  what  is  known 
as  lateral  curvature  consists  in  the  distortion  of  the  spinal  column  either 
to  the  one  side  or  the  other.  In  this  case  there  may  be  no  caries  of  the 
spine.  It  consists  in  depression  of  one  shoulder,  the  body  being  thrown 
out  of  its  axis,  by  the  curvature.  This  affection  is  caused  by  occupa- 
tions which  keep  the  body  in  a  laterally  distorted  position,  and  tak  one 
side  of  the  body  more  than  the  other.  It  is  produced  in  childrea  who 
study  their  lessons  at  school,  with  one  elbow  resting  on  a  high  desk, 
etc.  In  PotVs  Curvature  of  the  Spine,  the  angular  curvature  is  produced 
by  caries  of  the  vertebrae,  or  ulceration  of  the  substance  between  the 
vertebrae,  followed  by  more  or  less  loss  of  power  over  the  lower  ex- 
tremity. In  examining  the  spine,  one  or  more  of  the  spinous  processes 
is  found  to  project  beyond  the  others.  Hump-backs  are  usually  caused 
by  curvatures  of  the  spine,  but  they  may  also  be  caused  by  projection  of 
the  sternum,  or  deviation  of  the  ribs. 

Treatment. — If  associated  with  scrofula,  the  treatment  for  that  dis- 
ease should  be  instituted.  In  lateral  distortion,  calisthenic  exercises 
should  be  engaged.  In  Pott's  disease  extensive  counter-irritation  should 
be  made  over  the  diseased  part,  and  vigorous  tonics  given. 

The  treatment,  however,  best  adapted  to  obviate  all  curvatures  of  the 
spine,  is  purely  mechanical,  and  consists  of  braces,  supporters,  etc. 
Nothing  else  will  achieve  any  satisfactory  results.  By  mechanical  ap- 
pliances the  spine  is  rendered  straight,  and  compelled  to  maintain  that 
position  until  a  cure  is  effected.  These  mechanical  appliances  should 
be  applied  early,  and  be  accurately  adjusted  and  well  fitted. 

I  am  constantly  applying  such  appliances  in  my  office,  and  the  results 
are  excellent  in  nearly  all  cases.  Those  who  cannot  avail  themselves  of 
a  personal  consultation,  may  send  age  of  patient,  nature  of  curvature, 
height,  and  measure  around  the  waist,  and  a  suitable  appliance  will  be 
sent.     Preliminaiy  correspondence  free. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


385 


Imperfections  OF  the  Human  Form. 

These  embrace  those  only  which  are  of  shghter  degree,  and  of  idio- 
pathic origin.  They  are  usually  acquired  more  or  less  early  in  life. 
Not  unfrequently  they  result  from  bad  management  of  the  infant,  hav- 
ing its  head  always  too  highly  bolstered  up,  and  the  chest  compressed 
by  tight  clothing.  The  school-room,  however,  is  the  arena  where  the 
human  form  is  robbed  the  most  of  its  symmetry.  It  is  gratifying  to 
know  that  greater  attention  is  now  paid  to  this  evil,  but  still  to  a  great 
extent  the  seats  and  desks  provided  for  the  pupils  are  perfect  outrages 
upon  their  physical  natures.  The  seats  are  invariably  too  high  and  the 
desks  too  low,  obliging  the  piq^il,  for  five  or  six  hours,  to  sit  with  his 
head  down,  his  spine  curved  backwards,  and  his  feet  dangling  in  space. 
This  unnatural  position  soon  causes  a  loss  of  erect  carriage,  and  induces 
stooped  shoulders,  and  incapacious  chests.  It  is  but  rarely  that  we  see 
persons  having  an  erect  posture  in  standing  or  walking,  and  but  few 
have  that  prominent  chest,  so  necessary  to  the  perfection  and  elegance 
of  the  human  form,  and  to  the  full  breathing  capacity  for  the  lungs . 
The  shoulders  should  be  in  the  perfect  form  thrown  backwards,  and  the 
body  erect,  the  only  curve  in  the  spine  being  the  natural  inward  one  in 
the  lumbar  portion. 

Treatment. — Elegance  and  symmetry  of  form  can  only  be  gained 
by  proper  gymnastic  and  calisthenic  exercises.  These  should  be  of  such 
a  character  as  to  be  best  adapted  to  overcome  the  particular  deformity. 


Liidy's  Shoulder  Brace  Applied. 


Gentleman's  Shoulder  Brace  .^.pplied. 


In  all  cases  suitable  braces  should  be  worn.     These  gently  force  back 
the  shoulders,  thereby  increasing  the  volume  and  capacity  of  the  chest, 


336  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

and  enable  the  wearer  to  maintain  the  erect  posture  without  fatiguing 
effort.  In  all  pulmonary  diseases,  or  where  there  exists  an  insufficient 
capacity  of  the  chest,  these  braces  should  be  worn.  In  the  male  they 
take  the  place  of  suspenders,  and  in  the  female  they  can  be  made  to 
serve  the  purpose  of  sustaiumg  the  weight  of  the  skirts.  Nothing  could 
be  more  conducive  to  health  than  these  appliances ;  they  often  prevent 
the  onset  of  consumption  in  those  predisposed  hereditarily  to  that  dis- 
ease. It  is  a  well-known  fact  that  the  man  or  woman  having  an  erect 
form  and  expanded  chest  is  much  less  liable  to  disease,  and  at  aU  events 
possesses  greater  vigor  of  health.     The  reason  of  this  is  obvious. 

It  is  particularly  advisable  that  every  person  having  a  defective  form 
should  wear  a  shoulder  brace.  The  braces  represented  in  the  above 
cuts  are  of  the  author's  own  invention,  and  he  does  not  hesitate  to  claim 
for  them  a  decided  superiority  over  all  other  braces  for  this  purpose. 
They  are  worn  with  great  comfort,  gently  obliging  the  wearer  to  main- 
tain the  erect  posture,  and  enabling  him  to  thorouglily  inflate  his  lungs, 
which  in  course  of  time  will  lead  to  permanence  of  the  upright  stature 
with  an  expanded  chest. 

AU  persons  desiring  these  superior  braces  can  obtain  them  hy  aj^dress- 
ing  the  author.    Price  two  dollars.  ' 

Abscess. 

An  abscess  is  a  collection  of  pus  or  matter  in  the  substance  of  some 
part  of  the  body.  "When  the  matter  is  poured  out  from  some  part,  the 
process  is  called  su]ipuratwn,  when  it  collects  in  a  tissue,  it  is  an  abscess. 
It  commences  with  all  the  symptoms  of  inflammation,  fever,  pain,  red- 
ness, and  swelling.  The  centre  is  firm,  with  swelling  surroundmg  it. 
The  formation  of  pus  is  indicated  by  rigors,  an  abatement  of  fever,  and 
a  feeling  of  weight,  tension,  and  throbbing  The  centre  softens,  which 
is  tei-med  pointing,  mid  Jluctuatiou  is  felt.  There  is  a  natural  tendency 
to  discharge  the  pus,  which  is  more  apt  to  be  towards  the  skin.  It  is 
less  apt  to  open  into  serous  than  into  mucous  tissues.  The  abscesses  that 
form  in  scrofulous  cases  are  called  cold,  because  the  conditions  of  in- 
flammation are  absent.  They  heal,  after  the  discharge  of  pus,  by  a  pro- 
cess called  granulation. 

Tkeatment.— The  indication  to  be  fulfilled  in  the  treatment  of  ab- 
scess is  to  prevent  the  formation  of  pus,  to  evacuate  it  when  formed, 
and  to  heal  the  parts  so  as  to  prevent  further  secretions.  To  prevent 
its  formation  cold  applications  and  leeches  should  be  applied  to  the  part, 
the  patient  purged,  and  restricted  to  a  low  diet.  When  matter  is  form- 
ed warm  fomentations  and  poultices  should  be  applied,  to  hasten  the 
progress  of  the  pus  to  the  surface.  If  abscesses  distinctly  ?)Oi«t  they 
need  not  be  opened,  but  allowed  to  burst  themselves,  but  if  they  occur 
in  loose  cellular  tissue,  under  hard  Ekin,  and  show  a  tendency  to  bur- 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  337 

row,  tliey  should  be  evacuated  by  a  free  incision.  After  evacuation  the 
poultices  should  be  continued,  or  the  parts  be  dressed  with  stimulating 
ointments,  of  which  the  "Herbal  Ointment,"  page  469,  Ls  the  best. 

Felon  (PARONYcniA). 

This  is  also  called  icMtlow,  and  is  an  abscess  of  the  fingers,  of  which 
there  are  three  kinds,  the  first  situated  upon  the  surface  of  the  skin, 
the  second  under  the  skin,  the  third  within  the  sheath  containing  the 
tendons  of  the  fingers,  and  sometimes  involving  the  covering  of  the  bone. 
The  latter  form  is  the  most  terrible,  and  begins  with  redness,  swelling, 
and  a  deep-seated  and  throbbing  pain,  which  becomes  so  excruciating  as 
to  banish  all  sleep,  and  nearly  drive  the  patient  to  distraction.  Relief 
is  only  secured  by  discharge  of  pus. 

TuEATMENT. — Carry  the  hand  in  a  sling  and  use  poultices.  A  poul- 
tice made  of  equal  parts  of  slippery-elm,  poke-root,  flaxseed  meal,  and 
lobelia  seeds,  mixed  with  hot  lye,  and  changed  twice  a  day,  is  an  admir- 
able application.  When  the  pain  becomes  great,  the  abscess  should  be 
laid  open  with  a  knife,  cutting  down  to  the  bone.  Nothing  will  insure 
loss  of  bone  but  a  thorough  and  deep  incision.  This  is  most  painful, 
but  will  give  instant  relief.  After  the  evacuation,  the  treatment  ia  to 
be  followed  as  in  ordinary  abscess. 

Ulcers. 

Ulcers  are  breaches  of  continuity  of  surface,  being  caused  by  disease 
or  unrepaired  injury.  A  simple  or  healtJty  ulcer  has  its  surface  covered 
with  a  thick,  creamy,  yellow  pus,  not  too  profuse,  and  modorous.  The 
granulations  are  small,  florid,  pointed,  sensitive,  and  vascular.  Ascrofii- 
loris  ulcer  is  one  occuniug  in  debilitated  constitutions,  most  frequently 
upon  the  neck  and  joints.  They  originate  in  the  cellular  tissue,  beneath 
the  skin,  exist  generally  in  clusters,  and  are  characterized  by  imperfect 
and  slow  suppuration.  An  iiuhlent  ulcer  occurs  most  frequently  in  the 
lower  extremities  of  old  persons,  and  is  the  most  conunon  of  all  ulcers. 
It  is  owing  most  frequently  to  a  sore  having  been  neglected  or  badly 
treated.  Its  surface  is  smooth,  glassy,  concave  and  pale.  The  dis- 
charge is  thin  and  serous,  and  the  surrounding  tissue  is  swollen,  hard, 
and  of  a  dusky-red  color.  It  is  painless,  and  the  patient  is  ai)t  to  let  it  go 
unnoticed,  unless  it  by  accident,  exposure,  or  over  exertion,  it  inflames 
and  becomes  painful.  An  irritable  ulcer  is  one  havmg  an  excess  of  or- 
ganizing action,  with  a  deficiency  of  organizable  material.  It  is  super- 
ficial, having  an  equal  surface  of  a  dai-k  hue,  and  often  covered  with 
tenacious  fibrin.  It  occurs  most  frequently  near  the  ankle.  It  is  very 
sensitive,  and  attended  with  great  pain.  A  phagedenic  ulcer  is  one  of 
irregular  form,  with  ragged,  abiiipt  edges,  and  uneven  brown  surface, 
looking  aa  if  gnawed  by  an  animal.  It  is  attended  with  burning  pain, 
15  w 


338  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

and  great  constitutional  disturbance.  A  Tdricose  ulcer  is  dependent  upon 
a  varicose  condition  of  the  veins,  and  usually  occurs  in  the  leg  just 
above  the  ankle.     They  are  indolent,  and  mostly  moist  on  the  surface. 

Treat.ment. — -In  the  simple  ulcer  the  treatment  is  simply  protective. 
Water  dressings  are  the  best,  as  they  keep  the  parts  clean  and  remove 
the  liquid  pus.  The  "  Herbal  Ointment "  is  equally  good.  If  the  granula- 
tions become  too  luxuriant,  an  astringent  wash,  or  slightly  cauterizing 
them,  becomes  necessary.  In  scrofulous  ulcers  constitutional  treatment 
must  be  instituted.  The  soft  infiltrated  tissues  surrounding  the  ulcers 
should  be  destroyed  by  escharotics,  and  after  the  slough  is  removed,  the 
healthy  granulated  surface  treated  as  a  simple  ulcer.  In  indolent  ulcers 
the  sore  should  at  first  be  cleansed  by  povdtices.  Healthy  granulation 
should  be  aroused  by  lightly  touching  the  ulcer  with  nitrate  of  silver, 
sulphate  of  copper,  etc.,  or  the  same  effect  may  be  produced  by  strips 
of  adhesive  plaster  being  placed  over  the  entire  surface  of  the  ulcer.  In 
irritable  ulcer  the  treatment  should  first  be  constitutional,  and  tonics  and 
stimulants  administered.  The  part  should  be  relaxed,  rested,  and  ele- 
vated. This  should  be  followed  by  a  light  po\iltice,  or.  warm-water 
dressing,  or  if  there  is  great  pain,  fomentations  of  the-^infusion  of 
opium,  conium,  or  belladonna  should  be  applied.  In  the  treat'ipent  of 
phagedenic  ulcers,  fresh  air  and  good  diet  are  all-important,  yhe  se- 
cretions miist  be  corrected,  and  a  Dover's  powder  given  at  night. 
The  ulcer  should  be  thoroughly  destroyed  by  escharotics,  followed  by 
warm  poultices.  In  varicose  ulcer  cold  water,  rest,  regiilar  bandaging, 
or  laced  stocking,  constitutes  the  treatment.  Strapping  with  strips  of 
adhesive  plaster,  by  the  support  afforded,  is  excellent  in  all  cases  of 
ulcers. 

My  "  Herbal  Ointment "  (page  469)  acts  most  admirably  as  a  local  ap- 
plication in  all  cases  of  ulcer.  It  causes  healthy  granulation,  relieves 
the  pain,  and  speedily  causes  union  of  the  edges. 

Boils  (Furunculus). 

Boils  occur  most  frequently  in  the  young,  and  in  those  of  plethoric 
habit,  in  those  parts  where  the  skin  is  thickest.  They  are  usually  gre- 
garious, and  depend  upon  derangement  of  the  stomach  and  intestines, 
and  frequently  succeed  eruptive  diseases.  The  swelling  is  of  a  conical 
shajie,  having  a  hard,  red,  and  painful  base,  and  a  yellow  apex.  If  left 
to  itself  it  bursts  and  discharges  pus,  and  a  core  or  slough  of  cellular 
tissue  ;  when  completely  emptied,  the  heat  and  pain  subside. 

Treatment. — Poultices  and  warm  fonaentations  should  be  applied 
early,  and  as  soon  as  pus  has  formed,  the  boil  should  be  opened,  after 
which  the  granulated  wound  should  be  dressed  with  basilicon  ointment. 
If  my  "  Herbal  Ointment "  is  procurable,  if  may  be  applied  from  the  first, 
as  it  speedily  draws  the  boil  to  a  head,  and  quickly  heals  it  after  discharge. 


the  complete  herbalist.  339 

Carbuncle  (Anthrax). 

This  is  a  serious  disease  ;  it  is  a  solitary  inflammation  of  the  cellnlai 
tissue  and  skin,  presenting  a  flat,  spongy  swelling  of  a  livid  hue,  and  at- 
tended with  dull  heavy  pain.  It  varies  in  size,  and  its  progress  is  slow. 
Like  the  boil,  it  appears  more  often  upon  the  neok,  the  shoulders,  the 
back,  buttocks,  and  thighs.  The  constitutional  symptoms  are  low 
throughout,  and  the  attendant  fever  is  apt  to  be  typhoid  in  character ; 
prostration  and  delirium  often  terminate  the  case.  It  most  frequently 
attacks  high  livers  of  an  advanced  age. 

Treatment. — During  the  formation,  apply  either  fomentations  and 
poultices,  or  cold  water  dressing.  An  incision  in  the  form  of  a  cross 
should  be  made  free  and  early,  which  may  be  followed  by  caustic  appli- 
cations, in  order  that  the  dying  parts  may  thoroughly  be  removed. 
After  this  is  done,  the  wound  is  to  receive  ordinary  treatment. 

Chilblain's  (Pernio). 

This  is  an  affection  of  the  skin,  produced  by  sudden  alternations  of 
cold  and  heat,  most  commonly  affecting  the  toes,  heels,  ears,  or  fingers. 
It  is  attended  with  itching,  swelling,  pain,  and  slight  redness  at  first ; 
it  may  afterwards  become  of  a  livid  hue,  with  vesications  and  ulcerative 
fissures,  which  are  difficult  to  heal. 

Treatment. — Wash  the  parts  thoroughly,  and  then  apply  tallow,  and 
if  on  the  hands,  draw  on  a  pair  of  old  gloves,  especially  at  night.  The 
' '  Herbal  Ointment "  is  a  sure  and  rajjid  cure  for  chilblains. 

Burns  and  Scalds. 

There  are  three  principal  divisions  of  these  injuries,  which  may  be 
produced  by  hot  fluids,  vapor,  flame,  or  solids. 

1st.  Those  which  produce  mere  redness  and  inflammation,  termina- 
ting in  resolution,  and  perhaps  desquamation. 

2d.  Those  causing  blisters  on  the  skin,  which  often  dry  up  and  heal ; 
but  if  the  true  skin  has  been  injured  and  inflamed,  suppuration,  and 
ulceration  vnll  result. 

od.  Those  causing  the  death  of  the  part,  in  which  there  is  not  much 
pain,  and  which  are  followed  by  sloughs. 

Extensive  burns,  even  if  superficial,  are  very  dangerous,  and  those 
upon  the  trank  are  more  dangerous  than  those  upon  the  extremities. 
The  symptoms  are  paleness  and  shivering,  with  a  feeble,  quick  pulse, 
often  prostration,  coma,  and  death.  The  greatest  danger  is  during  the 
first  four  or  five  days,  from  collapse  ;  subsequently  from  an  affection  of 
the  head,  chest,  or  abdomen,  or  from  prostration. 

Treatment. — Bathing  the  part  in  cold  water  will  mitigate  the  pain, 
heat,  and  inflammation.     Afterwards  it  must  be  protected  from  the  air 


340  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

by  raw  cotton,  or  some  bland  unctuous  substance.  My  ' '  Herbal  Ointment " 
gives  instantaneous  relief.  Glycerine  and  carbolic  acid  are  used  by 
some,  and  linseed  oil  and  lime  water,  or  linseed  oil,  prepared  chalk,  and 
vinegar,  by  others.  The  indication  is  only  to  exclude  the  air.  The 
blisters  should  be  discharged  of  their  contents,  care  being-  taken  that  the 
skin  is  not  removed.  The  nervous  excitement  is  to  be  calmed  by 
opium,  and  sinking  prevented  by  stimulants,  but  care  is  to  be  taken 
that  over-stimulation  does  not  result.  The  separation  of  sloughs  is  to 
be  promoted  by  rest,  poultices,  and  fomentations.  In  joints  passive  mo- 
tion is  to  be  made  to  prevent  stiffness. 

Goitre  (Bronchocele). 

This  is  an  enlargement  of  the  thyroid  gland,  an  organ  that  if  it 
performs  any  functions  at  all,  does  so  only  in  foetal  life.  It  generally 
commences  by  moderate  increase  of  the  gland,  or  thickening  of  the 
neck,  and  advances  gradually  until  a  portion  or  the  whole  gland  be- 
comes enormously  swollen.  It  causes  dyspnoea,  and  sometimes  obstructs 
circulation  to  the  brain,  when  the  tumor  acquires  considerable  mag- 
nitude. It  is  more  common  to  females  than  males,  and  generally^  occurs 
before  puberty.  The  species  of  idiocy  sometimes  associated  wittf  goitre 
is  called  Cretinism. 

Treatment. — Alteratives  and  discutients.  The  alteratives,  svich  as 
Btillingia,  rock -rose,  etc. ,  are  to  be  preferred,  and  externally  iodine  may 
may  be  applied.  Those  who  may  desire  my  counsel  m  this  disease 
nxe  referred  to  page  390. 

Rupture  (Herni.\). 

This  signifiea  a  protnasion  of  the  abdominal  \'iscera.  The  predispos- 
in"-  cause  is  a  weakness  of  the  abdominal  walls,  at  the  natural  open- 
ings. This  weakness  may  be  increased  by  injury,  disease,  or  pregnancy, 
or  it  may  also  be  due  to  congenital  difficulty.  The  exciting  causes 
are  muscular  exertion,  jumping,  straining,  playing  on  wind  instru- 
ments, coughing,  lifting  weights,  tight  clothes,  parturition,  straining  at 
Btool,  etc. 

Hernia  is  divided,  according  to  the  site  of  the  protusion,  into  incpdnal, 
ventro-iitffiiinal.  umbilical,  ventral,  perineal,  vaginal,  pudendal,  thyroi- 
deal,  and  iwhiatic ;  in  condition,  into  reducible,  irreducible,  and  stran- 
gulated, and  if  the  contents  arc  entirely  intestinal  it  is  called  enterocele, 
but  if  it  contains  omentum  it  is  termed  epiplocele. 

The  symptoms  of  hernia  are  a  painful  swelling  forming  at  some 
part  of  the  abdomen,  which  is  compressible  and  soft,  and  can  be  made 
to  disaiipear  by  pressure  in  the  proper  direction,  and  it  often  disappears 
Bpontaneously.     An  enterocele  is  smooth,  elastic,  and  globular,  retires 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  341 

suddenly  and  with  a  gairg-ling  noise.     An  epiplocele  is  more  irregular 
in  form,  has  a  doughy  feel,  and  retires  slowly  without  noise. 

Reducible  hernia  is  one  in  which  the  contents  of  the  sac  can  be  reduced 
with  proper  manipulation.  Irreducible  hernia  is  owing  to  adhesions, 
or  from  membranous  bands  stretching  across  the  sac,  etc.,  when  the 
contents  cannot  be  replaced;  and  when  the  contents  of  the  sac  are 
incarcerated,  with  intlammation  and  an  interruption  to  the  passage 
of  fajces,  it  is  called  strangulated.  The  more  common  forms  are  the 
inguinal  and  umbilical.  Inguinal  hernia  is  called  scrotal  when  the  intes- 
tine has  descended  from  the  groin  into  the  scrotum. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  consists  in  reduction  and  retention. 
This  can  only  be  achieved  m  the  reducible  hernia.  Reduction  is  effected 
by  a  manipulation  called  taxis,  the  patient  being  placed  in  a  recumbent 
position,  and  the  muscles  of  the  abdomen  relaxed ;  gentle  and  steady 
pressure  is  made  by  the  hand  in  the  direction  of  the  descent.  Retention 
is  effected  by  continued  and  suitable  pressure  by  means  of  the  pad  of  a 
well-fitting  truss.  By  constant  and  caref  id  use  of  a  truss,  a  radical  cure 
may  be  effected.  A  lobelia  emetic,  or  the  patient  may  be  chloroformed, 
to  relax  the  muscles,  may  be  resorted  to,  if  replacement  cannot  be  per- 
formed without  them.  In  irreducible  hernia,  the  treatment  consists  in 
carefidly  regvdatmg  the  bowels,  avoiding  great  exertions,  and  wearing  a 
suitable  truss  to  prevent  further  protrusion.  Strangulated  hernia,  if  it 
cannot  be  reduced  by  taxis,  becomes  a  subject  for  the  surgeon.  Radi- 
cal cures  may  also  be  performed  by  the  surgeon. 

I  have  constantly  manufactured  for  my  patients  a  most  excellent 
truss,  which  effects  many  cures.  It  is  a  light  appliance,  and  occasions 
no  pain  or  inconvenience  to  the  wearer.  It  is  the  most  comfortable 
truss  that  can  be  worn,  is 
cleanly  and  durable,  and 
easily  adjusted.  It  is  called 
the  "  Champion  Truss" — 
a  distinction  to  which  it  is 
clearly  entitled.  It  is  the 
greatest  triumph  of  skill 
and  genius  ever  attained 
in  this  or  any  other  coun- 
try for  the  retention  and  radical  cure  of  hernia  or  rupture.  Its  quali- 
ties may  be  briefly  stated,  as  follows,  viz.  : — 

It  is  worn  with  perfect  ease  and  safety. 

It  keej)s  its  place  under  all  circu7mtances. 

It  never  gets  out  of  order. 

/te  pressure  is  equalized  a-nd  gentle. 

It  makes  no  pressure  on  the  sjdiie. 

It  is  a/ppUaxble  to  single  or  ihublc  rupture. 


Dr.  O   Phelps  Brown's  Champion  Truss. 


342 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


These  qualities  are  all  that  are  required  of  a  truss,  either  for  reten- 
tion or  cure,  aud  any  trass  lacking  in  any  of  them  does  not  fulful  its 
purjwse,  and  is  capable  of  doing  great  injury.  Its  perfect  adjustment 
is  weU  represented  in  the  following  cuts.     The  most  violent  paroxysms 


Front  View.  Back  View.        •  '^ 

of  coughing,  muscular  exertion,  falls,  etc.,  will  not  move  it  from  its 
properly  applied  position.  This  indispensable  quality  of  retention  must 
be  possessed  by  every  truss,  otherwise  it  is  useless. 

Patients  desu-ing  the  "  Champion  Truss,"  will  please  send  the  follow- 
ing measurement,  viz.,  around  the  body  where  the  truss  is  worn,  and 
Btate  whether  right,  left,  or  double.  Trusses  of  the  highest  mechanical 
perfection  are  also  furnished  for  every  other  variety  of  rupture. 

The  price  of  the  "Champion  Truss,"  with  medical  advice  pertaining 
thereto,  is  twelve  dollars. 

DISEASES   OF   THE   EYE   AND  EAR. 

The  eye  is  one  of  the  most  delicate  as  well  as  the  most  complicated 
organs  of  the  body,  and  its  diseases  are  but  very  imperfectly  understood 
by  the  ordmary  practitioner.  A  great  deal  of  mischief  has  been  done  by 
improper  treatment  of  diseases  of  the  eye,  and  I  may  also  include  the 
ear,  and  many  persons  who  now  mourn  the  loss  of  sight  and  hearmg, 
partially  or  wholly  so,  might  yet  be  in  enjoyment  of  those  senses  if  they 
but  had  received  the  proper  treatment.  Under  this  head  I  shall  include 
those  diseases  only  which  are  capable  of  treatment  in  domestic  practice. 

CONJimCTIVITIS. 
This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  conjunctiva  or  mucous  membrane  of 
the  eyelids.     The  sensation  is  as  if   particles  of  sand  had  insinuated 
themselves  beneath  the  Uds,  accompanied  by  heat,  paiu,  and  increased 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  343 

lafihrymal  secretion,  also  intolerance  of  light.  In  severe  cases,  head- 
ache, nausea,  constipation,  loss  of  appetite,  etc.,  are  present.  The 
causes  of  this  form  of  inflammation  are  mostly  local,  as  particles  of 
sand,  dust,  insects,  etc. 

Treatment. — Remove  the  cause.  If  due  to  foreign  particles  in  the 
eye,  they  should  be  removed.  Bathe  the  eye  thoroughly  in  water,  rub- 
bing towards  the  nose.  If  iron  or  steel  is  suspected,  a  vial  cork,  rubbed 
smooth  with  flannel,  should  be  touched  to  all  parts  of  the  eye,  which 
will  remove  the  particles.  WTien  the  eye  is  relieved,  a  mQd  purgative 
may  be  given,  and  cold  water  applications  made  to  the  eye.  In  severer 
cases,  lotions  of  nitrate  of  sUver,  sulphate  of  zinc,  etc. ,  become  neces- 
sary. 

Catarrhal  Ophthalmia. 

This  is  due  to  exposure  to  cold.  The  white  of  the  eye  becomes  in- 
flamed and  very  red,  and  generally  there  is  a  thin  mucous  discharge,  which 
in  severe  cases  becomes  thick  and  purulent.  This  condition  of  the  eye 
is  accompanied  by  chilliness,  aching  of  the  bones,  and  some  degree  of 
fever. 

Treatment. — Apply  cold  soft  water  to  the  eyes  with  little  muslin 
packs,  and  give  a  purgative.  If  this  will  not  relieve  the  inflammation, 
cold  slippery-elm  ijoultices,  or  the  domestic  practice  of  applying  ' '  smear 
case  "  to  the  eyes,  may  be  resorted  to.  In  obstinate  or  chronic  cases  a 
solution  of  four  grains  of  sulphate  of  zinc  to  the  ounce  of  water  may  be 
applied  two  or  three  times  a  day  with  a  small  brush.  The  eye  should 
also  be  bathed  with  a  decoction  of  golden  seal.  My  ' '  Herbal  Ointment " 
(page  469)  is  excellent  in  all  ophthalmic  diseases. 

Purulent  Ophthalmia. 

The  symptoms  of  this  disease  peculiar  to  children  are  similar  to  the 
Catarrhal  Ophthalmia  of  adults.  The  eyes  are  kept  constantly  closed, 
the  lids  are  red  and  swollen,  and  glued  together  by  thick  purulent  mat- 
ter becoming  dry.  The  skin  is  dry  and  the  bowels  irregular.  It  is 
generally  due  to  exposure  to  damp  and  cold,  injuries  in  washing  the 
child,  acrid  matter,  or  to  a  scrofulous  con.stitution. 

Treatment.— In  the  treatment  of  this  affection  the  eyes  should  be 
thoroughly  washed  in  a  cold,  weak  solution  of  hydrastin,  four  or  five 
times  a  day.  Saturate  packs  with  cold  water,  containing  a  little  tinc- 
ture of  lobelia,  and  apply  to  the  eyes  and  change  when  they  grow  warm. 
The  bowels  should  be  kept  open  with  gentle  laxatives.  Some  cases  may 
need  a  solution  of  vegetable  caustic,  sulphate  of  zinc,  or  nitrate  of 
silver.  If  caused  by  a  scrofulous  condition,  use  alteratives,  of  which 
the  "  Compound  extract  of  Rock-rose  and  Stillingia  "  is  the  best  (see  page 
•409). 


344  THE    COAirLETE    HERBALIST. 


Scrofulous  OrnTnALMiA. 

This  disease  is  chiefly  confined  to  children.  The  child  scarcely  can 
bear  the  light,  the  lids  are  spasmodically  closed,  and  the  head  constantly 
turned  away  from  the  light.  The  eye  is  not  very  red,  but  a  few  of  the 
large  vessels  are  considerable  injected.  It  is  very  liable  to  recur,  and 
may  jirove  obstinate,  and  cause  ulceration  of  the  cornea. 

Treatment.— In  this  disease  it  is  very  important  that  the  general 
health  should  be  looked  after.  The  local  treatment  before  advised 
should  be  resorted  to,  and  the  constitutional  treatment  should  be  veiy 
active  and  energetic. 

Stye  (Hordeolum). 

This  is  a  small  painful  pustide  on  the  margin  of  the  eyelid,  having  its 
origin  in  ciliary  follicles. 

Treatment. — It  may  usually  be  cured  by  applying  spirits  of  harts- 
horn by  means  of  a  small  steel  needle,  puncturing  the  tumor  slightly. 
If  this  does  not  remove  the  inflammation,  slippeiy-elm  poultices  should 
be  applied,  and  tonics  and  alteratives  given. 

Amaurosis. 

This  complaint  is  due  to  anaesthesia  of  the  optic  nerve.  The  patient 
sees  objects  indistinctly,  even  when  they  are  lit  up  by  a  bright  light ; 
they  appear  surrounded  with  a  fog  or  mist,  and  no  effort  nor  the  em- 
ployment of  artificial  means  increase  the  distinctness.  The  outlines 
of  objects  appear  not  only  indistinct,  but  also  broken,  and  thus  dis- 
figured, the  faculty  of  distinguishing  colors  is  frequently  lost,  and 
double  vision  is  not  infrequent.  This  condition,  as  above  described,  is 
more  properly  amhly(/pi<-(-,  it  is  only  called  amaurosis  when  the  vision  is 
entirely  lost. 

Treatment.  — Electro-galvanism  is  one  of  the  most  promising  reme- 
dies. Powdered  bay-berry  root,  taken  as  snuff,  is  occasionally  useful. 
Blisters  behind  the  ear  often  afl;ord  relief.  Nux  vomica  should  also  be 
given.  The  disease  is  often  very  obstinate,  but  I  have  cured  some  of 
the  most  unpromising  cases. 

Foreign  Bodies  in  the  Eyes. 

These  should  be  sought  for  by  inverting  the  lids,  and  having  the 
patient  turn  the  eyes  in  every  direction.  If  it  be  found  to  adhere 
to  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  cornea  or  conjunctiva,  it  can  usually  be 
removed  by  a  silk  handkerchief  wrapped  aroivnd  a  probe.  If  lime, 
mortar,  or  lye  should  get  into  the  eye,  it  should  be  removed,  and  the  eye 
washed  with  a  weak  solution  of  vinegar  aud  water.  The  en.suiug 
inflammation  Khould  receive  usual  treatment.      If  the  forei^jn  bodies 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  345 

enter  tbe  interior  chamber  of  the  eye,   the  surgeon  should  only  re- 
move it. 

Foreign  Substances  in  the  Ear. 

Children  frequently  put  peas,  beans,  kernels  of  com,  etc.,  into  the 
ear,  which,  if  allowed  to  remain,  will  produce  active  inflammation. 
Foreign  bodies  may  also  enter  the  ear  by  accident.  These  should 
all  be  quickly  removed.  It  should  be  done  by  syringing  the  ear  with 
warm  water,  or  by  means  of  forceps.  Excessive  accumulation  of  wax 
is  to  be  removed  by  syringing  with  warm  water  frequently,  and  not 
by  ear-scoops. 

Ear  Ache  (Otalgia). 

This  is  a  neuralgic  affection,  and  is  caused  by  local  inflammation, 
cold  and  exposure,  and  carious  teeth. 

Treatment.  ^ — If  caused  by  inflammation,  a  warm  poultice  of  slip- 
pery-elm, moistened  with  laudanum,  should  be  appUed,  and  frequently 
changed.  If  caused  by  carious  teeth  they  should  be  removed ;  sweet 
oil  and  laudanum  dropped  in  the  ear  often  gives  relief,  and  the  common 
practice  of  blowing  hot  tobacco  smoke  into  the  ear  is  also  usefiU. 

Many  of  the  eye  and  ear  diseases  are  surgical  in  their  character,  such 
as  strabismus,  a  few  cases  of  cataract,  etc. ,  but  a  great  many  of  them 
are  amenable  to  medical  treatment.  Even  cataract,  which  heretofore 
was  considered  eminently  surgical,  may  in  many  cases  be  entirely  cured 
by  medicinal  treatment  alone.  I  have  cured  a  case,  in  which  there  was 
total  bhndness  for  ten  years,  in  the  short  space  of  two  months.  The 
patient  ever  since  is  in  the  full  enjojonent  of  sight.  My  treatment  has 
also  been  equally  successful  in  cases  of  deafness.  I  regard  all  cases 
subject  to  relief  or  cure  in  which  the  tympanum  or  drum  of  the  ear  is 
not  destroyed.  If  persons  suffering  from  chronic  diseases  of  the  eye  or 
ear  wall  write  and  state  their  cases  fully  to  me,  I  will  cheerfully  give 
my  oiDinion  by  return  mail. 

MALIGNANT   AND   VENEREAL   DISEASES. 

Cancer  (Carcinoma). 

This  is  a  malignant  tumor.  In  the  first  stage  it  is  hard,  in  the  second 
stage  it  ulcerates.  The  seat  of  cancer  is  in  the  female  breast,  the  skin, 
the  tongue,  the  stomach,  the  womb,  the  lips,  etc.  It  rarely  occurs  in 
subjects  under  thirty  years  of  age.  It  is  at  first  a  small  hard  tumor, 
movable,  but  eventually  it  forms  deep  and  superficial  attachments.  It 
grows  in  general  slowly,  is  irregular  in  shape,  and  painful.  The  pain  is 
mostly  sharp,  lancinating,  and  is  much  increased  on  pressure.  In  the 
15* 


346  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

course  of  time  tbe  tissiie  beneath  the  skin  is  absorbed,  and  becomes 
attached  to  it,  and  it  presents  a  bluish,  nodulated  appearance.  Ulcer- 
ation usually  takes  place  by  absorption  of  the  skin,  and  as  sloughing 
proceeds,  the  edges  become  ragged  and  everted,  having  a  bluish  puiple 
color,  and  discharges  a  fetid,  sanious  jius. 

There  are  five  varieties  of  cancer,  though  microscopically  they  are 
essentially  the  same. 

Scir}'/iiis  is  hard,  firm,  and  transparent,  and  of  a  grayish  color,  occur- 
ring most  frequently  in  the  female  breast,  skin,  etc. 

UncepJudoid  is  soft  and  brainlike  in  its  appearance,  and  hemorrhagic  m 
character,  frequently  met  with  in  the  globe  of  the  eye,  testes,  nares,  etc. 

Colloid  resembles  glue  or  honey  ia  the  comb,  and  usually  occurs  in  the 
internal  viscera. 

Melanosis,  or  melanotic  cancer,  is  of  a  black  color,  either  soft  or  hard, 
and  occurs  mostly  upon  serous  membranes. 

Ejiitheli(d  cancer  is  usually  found  upon  the  lips. 

These  various  forms  may  exist  separately,  or  one  variety  may  beesso- 
ciated  with  or  take  the  place  of  another. 

Treatment. — As  long  as  this  disease  was  regarded  as  purely  local  in 
character,  the  only  treatment  resorted  to  was  extirpation  either  by  cau- 
terizing agents  or  by  the  knife  ;  but  since  the  pathology  of  tlie  disease  is 
better  understood,  and  its  constitutional  character  ascertained,  the  treat- 
ment employed  has  been  considerably  modified.  I  have  long  ago  held 
that  cancer  was  a  constitutional  affection,  so  instructed  my  patients,  and 
based  my  treatment  upon  that  opinion. 

It  is  well  to  remove  the  tumor  by  the  knife  or  cautery,  but  the  liabil- 
ity to  recurrence  is  always  great  unless  constitutional  treatment  is  em- 
ployed. The  cauterizing  agents  are  blood-root  and  chloride  of  zinc 
made  into  a  paste,  and  then  applied  to  the  cancer,  the  skin  ha%'ing  first 
been  removed  by  a  blister.  This  is  reapplied  until  the  whole  mass  is 
dead,  when  in  course  of  time  it  comes  away  as  a  slough.  The  expressed 
juices  of  poke,  laui-el,  blood-root,  and  yellow-dock  answer  the  same  pur- 
pose. 

The  constitutional  treatment  consists  in  toning  up  the  general  system, 
abstaining  from  fatty  diet,  bathing,  and  the  employment  of  alterative 
treatment.  Recently,  a  plant  has  been  brought  into  notice  by  the  name 
of  CunduraiKjo  {Equntoiia  Garciana,  see  page  74)  which  is  destined  to 
revolutionize  the  treatment  of  cancer.  I  have  tried  it  in  several  cases, 
and  it  answered  every  exiiectation.  I  regard  it  as  a  virtual  specific  in 
cancer,  and  shall,  notwithstanding  its  vciy  high  price,  employ  it  in  every 
case,  thereby  hoping  to  make  my  success  in  the  treatment  of  this  malig- 
nant disease  more  certain.  It  is  a  matter  of  regret  that  spurious  arti- 
cles are  in  the  market,  thus  bringing  the  genuine  article,  which  is  yec 
dilficult  to  obtain,  into  disrepute. 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  347 


SYPniLis. 


SypMlis  is  occasioned  by  a  specific  poison  which  is  conveyed  by  con- 
tagion or  actual  contact.  It  first  shows  itself  upon  the  genital  organs  in 
the  form  of  a  small  yellowish  pimple,  or  pimples,  the  presence  of  which 
is  at  first  made  manifest  by  itching  and  slight  soreness.  The  pimples 
(called  chancres)  break,  and  gradually  change  into  a  red,  hard-edged 
shallow  ulcer.  This  ulcer  is  circular  or  oval  in  form,  and  is  surrounded 
by  a  ragged  border.  The  skin  and  tissue  in  the  immediate  vicinity  be- 
come inflamed,  and,  unless  proper  remedies  be  immediately  applied,  the 
virus  is  absorbed  into  the  system,  and  the  consequences  are  of  the  most 
deplorable  character.  There  are  many  kinds  of  chancre,  viz  : — inflam- 
matory, indurated  or  hard,  sloughing  or  perishing,  phagedenic  or  eat- 
ing, and  gangrenous  or  likely  to  mortify.  Next  in  order,  if  stringent 
curative  measures  be  not  adopted,  is  the  bubo^  which  is  a  swelling  of  the 
glands  of  the  groin,  caused  by  the  absorption  of  the  poison.  The  bubo 
wUl  usually  make  its  appearance  in  about  a  fortnight  after  the  sore  is 
discovered.  It  advances  to  suppuration,  and  also  becomes  a  sore,  when 
it  receives  the  name  of  "  glandular  chancre."  Sometimes  growths  re- 
sembling certain  vegetables  ajipear,  in  the  male,  upon  the  organ  and  on 
the  membrane  lining  of  the  foreskin.  In  the  female,  they  will  be  found 
in  and  at  the  entrance  of  the  vagina,  and  sometimes  on  the  neck  of  the 
womb.  These  are  primary  symptoms,  and,  if  quickly  but  radically  extir- 
pated or  cured,  will  not  result  in  any  very  serious  constitutional  derange- 
ment ;  but  if  neglected,  the  virus  is  absorbed  into  the  blood,  and  the 
infection  reaches  the  entire  system.  When  the  disease  becomes  consti- 
tutional, the  results  are  most  deplorable.  The  syiDhilitic  ulcer  then 
appears  at  various  parts  of  the  body,  more  usually  upon  the  arm  and 
forearm,  f orehetid,  shin  and  chest.  These  ulcers  are  quite  characteristic, 
so  that  the  experienced  surgeon  at  once  knows  their  specific  nature  upon 
sight.  The  affections  of  the  skin  and  mucous  membrane  are  called 
secondary^  those  appearing  upon  the  bones,  etc.,  are  tertiary.  In  these 
advanced  stages  of  the  disease  the  gravity  is  .such  as  should  urge  each 
affected  person  to  employ  comjDetent  surgical  or  medical  aid,  and  not 
longer  to  postpone  svich  active  treatment  as  is  required.  Neglect  of  so 
important  a  duty  on  the  part  of  the  patient  will  result  seriously  to  him, 
as  the  progress  of  the  disease  is  unerringly  from  bad  to  worse  in  every 
case. 

Treatment. — In  primary  syphUis,  the  chancre  should  be  destroyed 
effectually  by  nitrate  of  silver,  nitric  acid,  or  caustic  potash,  and  heal 
the  parts  by  mUd  dressing.  If  this  is  effectually  done,  with  projier  con- 
stitutional treatment,  no  secondary  symptoms  wUl  supervene. 


348'  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

In  secondary  and  tertiary  syphilis  the  treatment  is  very  important, 
and  must  be  correct  in  order  to  eliminate  the  disorganizing  taint. 

The  treatment  is  necessarily  alterative  and  tonic.  The  following  may 
each  be  specifically  employed,  either  singly  or  judiciously  combined  :  — 
Phytolaccin,  corj-dalin,  chiraaphilin,  tincture  of  kalmia,  menispermin, 
ceanothus  americanus,  sarsaparilla,  stillingia,  and  by  some  iodide  of 
potassium,  but  never  mercury.  Mercury  in  any  form  is  not  a  specific, 
and  in  effects  most  pernicious.  When  buboes  appear,  they  should  be 
discussed  by  a  mixture  of  tincture  of  iodine,  31].;  tincture  of  arnica, 
3  ij. ;  tincture  of  scrophularia,  3  ij-  This  should  be  applied  by  wetting 
pads  of  linen  with  it  and  securing  them  by  adhesive  strips.  If  sup- 
puration has  taken  place,  the  treatment  of  abscess  is  to  be  employed. 

During  treatment,  the  patient  should  abstain  from  all  fat  meats, 
spirituous  liquors,  and  excesses  of  every  kind. 

If  any  person  is  conscious  that  he  or  she  is  affected  with  a  syphilitic 
taint  they  should  never  many,  for  the  offspring  will  surely  be  miserable 
objects  of  pity,  and  conjugal  bliss  very  uncertain.  The  taint  mu*t  be 
thoroughly  eradicated,  so  that  not  a  vestige  remains,  before  a  marriage, 
physically  pure,  can  occur. 

If  rightly  treated,  sjiihilis  is  not  a  formidable  disea.se  to  cure,  yet 
how  many  suffer  hopelessly  on,  after  having  for  years  been  subjected  to 
mercurial  treatment.  Purely  chemical  herbal  treatment  will  only  re- 
move the  serious  disorder  from  the  system,  as  attested  by  the  thousands 
of  cases  under  my  treatment,  in  which  every  trace  of  the  disease  has 
been  obUterated  from  the  economy. 

GoXOKRHfEA. 

This  Ls  vulgarily  known  as  dap,  so  named  from  the  French  clajrpe, 
a  bow-string.  It  received  this  name  on  account  of  the  chordee  occurring 
in  the  disease.  This  is  caused  by  the  %'iolcnce  of  the  inflammation, 
which  abnormally  expands  the  cavernous  body  of  the  organ  and  is  pain- 
fully  drawn  dowmwanls,  so  that  the  urethra  occupies  the  relative  posi- 
tion of  the  string  to  a  bow-gun. 

This  is  a  disea.se  of  the  mucous  membrane  which  lines  the  private 
parts  of  the  male  and  female,  and  is  communicated  as  is  syphilis,  by 
contagion,  or  actual  contact.  It  commences  with  itchiug  and  uneasi- 
ness about  the  private  parts,  and  a  peculiar  feeling  of  soreness  in  the 
urethra,  or  urinary  canal.  A  scalding  sensation  is  also  felt  when  the 
patient  makes  water.  In  a  day  or  two  a  whitish  matter  makes  its  ap- 
pearance at  the  orifice  of  the  urethra,  and  this  will  soon  increase  greatly 
in  quantity,  and  assume  a  greenish-yellow  color.  The  parts  will  be 
much  inflamed,  and  the  urethra  will  become  thickened  and  very  sore. 
The  consistency  and  (luantity  of  the  pus-like  discharge  vary  in  different 
persons.     It  usually  makes  its  appearance  in  from  three  to  five  days 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  349 

after  exposure.  It  may  propagate  itself  upon  other  mucous  membranes 
after  inoculation. 

Treatment. — A  purgative  should  be  taken  at  first,  and  at  the  same 
time  the  parts  should  be  thoroughly  packed  with  cold  or  hot  water. 
The  following  are  the  remedies  mostly  employed  as  internal  remedies  •. 
— Oil  of  copaiba  and  cubebs,  matico,  gelsemin,  oil  of  erigeron,  oil  of 
tui-pentine,  etc.  These  oils  should  be  taken  in  medium  doses,  and  in  em- 
ulsion with  acacia,  etc.  The  internal  injections  are  vegetable  astrin- 
gents, sugar  of  lead,  sulphate  of  zinc,  etc.  The  injections  should  not  be 
strong,  and  be  carefully  made,  otherwise  orchitis  may  follow.  Applying 
cold  water  relieves  the  chordee. 

The  treatment  is  not  difficult,  and,  if  properly  directed,  will  soon  re- 
lieve the  patient. 

Gleet. 

This  is  one  of  the  results  of  abused  or  neglected  gonorrhoea.  It  is  a 
continued  discharge  of  a  thin  and  clear  character,  after  the  inflamma- 
tory and  painful  early  symptoms  have  disappeared.  It  is  caused  by  de- 
debility  of  the  parts,  or  by  unhealthy  action  of  the  glands  in  the 
tainary  passage.  It  is  sometimes,  especially  in  persons  of  a  scrofulous 
habit,  a  fixture  for  years,  and  constitutes  a  drain  upon  the  system,  the 
effects  of  which  can  only  be  obviated  by  the  most  scrupulous  care  and 
attention.  The  old  style  of  treatment  involved  the  u.se  of  cauterizing 
injections,  and  the  bougie,  together  with  blisters  applied  to  the  peri- 
noBum.  It  had  the  effect  of  imperfectly  remedying,  or  else  of  aggravat- 
ing the  complaint,  and  rendering  it  next  to  impossible  of  cure. 

Treatment.- -Same  as  for  acute  gonorrhoea,  but  it  should  be  more 
energetic. 

Those  who  may  wish  to  intrust  their  cases  to  my  treatment,  may 
rest  assured  that  they  will  be  quickly  cured,  and  everything  held  con- 
fidential. The  fear  of  exposure  docs  frequently  much  mischief,  and  the 
dread  of  losing  caste  in  society,  or  a  feeling  of  shame,  often  tempts  the 
sufferer  to  withhold  his  case  from  the  family  physician  for  treatment,  or 
he  may  endure  his  mental  and  physical  torture  in  silence  as  long  as  he 
can,  and  then  finally  intrust  his  case  to  the  ignorance  of  a  companion, 
who  may  know  some  recipe,  or  he  may  employ  the  treatment  of  some 
incompetent,  uneducated  physician,  found  everywhere,  especially  in 
large  cities,  who  also  maltreats  the  case,  so  that  finally  the  disease,  which 
at  first  was  readily  curable,  has  become  a  very  serious  affection. 

The  wrong  of  such  a  course  is  obvious,  and  I  advise  the  reader,  who 
has  or  may  become  unfortunate  in  this  respect,  to  confide  his  or  her 
case  to  some  honorable  and  competent  physician,  as  soon  as  the  disease 
manifests  itself. 


350  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

DEBILITY   OK   LOSS  OP   VITALITY. 

This  is  a  couditiou  of  the  org-anism  characterized  by  loss  of  vitality,  or 
deterioration  and  diminution  in  the  quality  and  tone  of  the  vital  forces. 
It  is  one  of  the  chief  predisposing  causes  of  disease,  and  is  of  itself  a 
condition  characterized  by  all  the  elements  of  ill  health.  The  principal 
causes  of  delnlity  are  improper  nourishment,  impure  air,  excessive 
bodUy  and  mental  exercise,  want  of  exercise,  long  exposure  to  intense 
heat  or  cold,  intemperance,  depressing  states  of  the  mind,  and  of  course 
a  prostrative  disease.  When  not  a  heritage  of  the  organism,  it  is  gen- 
erally produced  by  some  flagrant  violation  of  physiological  law,  deplet- 
ing the  vital  forces  by  the  disorganization  of  organic  functions  which 
ensues,  or  by  the  loss  of  vital  elements  through  the  eliminating  organs, 
chiefly  the  kidneys. 

That  the  reader  may  have  a  correct  understanding  of  what  is  meant 
by  vitality,  it  may  be  weU  to  give  its  physiological  sense.  Though  derived 
from  the  Latin  vita^  life,  it  has  a  somewhat  different  signification  from 
that  which  is  expressed  by  the  word  life.  It  signifies  the  constituent 
principle  or  essence  of  life  rather  than  the  entity  itself.  Hence  vitality 
is  not  properly  life,  but  the  element  conducive  to  its  perfection  and  pro- 
longation. It  is  that  principle  that  gives  to  the  physical  organization  its 
vigor,  elasticity,  and  tone,  to  the  mental  organs,  acuteness,  vivacity  and 
sprightliness,  and  to  the  whole  organisni  a  high  standard  of  health. 
If  the  habits  are  not  in  violation  of  hygiene  or  physiology,  and  the 
expenditure  of  the  vital  forces  not  exceeding  the  production,  the  normal 
condition  of  the  organism  would  be  one  of  health  and  vigor,  and  almost 
complete  immunity  from  disease.  If  the  expenditure  exceeds  the  pro- 
duction it  engenders  the  condition  termed  debUity:  Improper  and  sin- 
ful habits  of  life,  especially  in  the  young,  are  alarmingly  destructive  of 
vitality  in  consequence  of  engendering  diseases  characterized  by  losses 
of  vital  secretions.  The  intemperate  very  frequently  incur  the  penalty 
of  over-indvilgence  in  intoxicating  beverages  by  inducing  structural 
diseases  of  the  internal  organs,  especially  Bright's  disease  of  the  kidney, 
wherein  the  blood  becomes  devitalized  by  loss  of  its  albumen  through 
the  urine.  In  the  male  economy  at  an  age  often  quite  immature 
there  is  induced  an  affection  characterized  by  involuntary  expenditure 
of  a  secretion,  directly  by  an  improper  and  sinful  life.  The  element 
thus  constantly  expended,  and  which  occurs  invariably  without  any 
exercise  of  the  voluntary  powers,  is  beyond  all  (piestion  the  most 
highly  organized  and  more  intrinsically  vital  than  any  other  secre- 
tion of  the  organism.  This  affection,  peculiarly  ma.sculiue,  is  one  of 
the  most  prolific  causes  of  debility,  and  is  conducive  to  greater  physical 
misfortune  than  any  other  pathological  condition  induced  by  violation 
of  physiological  laws.  The  chemical  nature  of  the  secretion  is  highly 
phoephatic,  and  as  phosphorus  is  a  very  important  constituent  of  nerve 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  351 

tissue,  its  constant  involuntary  escape  from  the  organism,  whether  in 
the  urine  or  otherwise,  preys  fearfully  upon  the  nerve  tissue  for  phos- 
phatic  supply,  and  eventually,  and  often  quite  rai)idly,  produces  atony 
of  the  nerve-centres,  and  a  general  intonicity  of  the  nervous  system,  or 
what  is  more  commonly  known  as  nervous  debility.  Of  the  various  sys- 
tems composing  the  organism  the  nervous  can  least  afford  to  lose  its 
vitality,  or  to  become  enfeebled.  It  is  the  principal  or  controlling  sys- 
tem of  the  organism,  the  others  being  more  or  less  subordinate.  If  by 
any  depleting  causes  its  just  complement  of  the  vital  forces  becomes 
reduced,  its  individual  integrity  is  not  alone  compromised  or  destroyed, 
but  muscular  action,  circulation,  digestion,  assimilation,  and  the  mental 
operations  also  become  enfeebled,  hence  the  vitai  standard  of  the  nervous 
system  is  of  extreme  importance  to  the  general  welfare  of  the  whole 
organism. 

Precisely  the  same  pathological  condition  results  from  another  cause, 
a  sedentary  habit  of  life.  It  is  due  to  such  exciting  causes  that  clergy- 
men and  other  persons  of  sedentary  habits  suffer  so  frequently  from 
nervous  or  general  debility.  When  the  muscular  system  is  permitted 
to  degenerate  from  want  of  proper  exercise  it  gives  to  the  organism 
a  condition  of  laxity  or  intonicity  which  in  the  male  induces  the  pre- 
viously mentioned  loss  of  a  highly  vitalized  secretion,  and  in  the  female 
an  uncompensated  loss  of  nervo-electric  force.  Debility  is  the  result 
in  both  cases,  though  the  devitalization  is  more  rapid  in  the  male,  pro- 
portionally to  the  physical  vigor  inherent  to  the  different  sexes,  than  in 
the  female.  This  is  explained  by  the  fact  that  in  the  male  economy 
a  greater  loss  of  the  phosphates  occurs.  In  all  persons  of  studious 
habits,  and  where  bodOy  exercise  is  insufBcient,  the  urine  is  loaded 
with  phosphates,  which  is  indicative  of  the  breaking  down  of  nerve 
tissue.  Consequently  in  the  male  there  is  not  only  the  usual  phosphoric 
loss  due  to  nervous  waste,  but  the  sujier-addition  of  the  involuntary 
loss  of  a  secretion  which,  as  has  been  stated,  is  highly  phosphatic  in 
its  chemical  nature,  makes  the  depletion  of  the  phosphorus  essential  to 
a  vital  condition  of  the  organism,  doubly  great. 

In  a  debilitated  condition  of  the  nervous  system,  or,  as  it  is  usually 
denominated,  nervous  debility,  from  whatever  cause  the  loss  of  vitality 
may  ensue,  there  is  in  general  quite  a  train  of  symptoms,  as  may  be  sup- 
posed when  this  more  important  part  of  the  economy  has  become  devi- 
talized. This  form  of  debility  may  usually  be  recognized  hj  a  marked 
facial  expression,  a  characteristic  mannerism,  and  by  a  peculiar  mental 
state.  The  skin  of  the  face  is  pale  and  sallow,  and  usually  affected  with 
acne  ;  there  is  a  dark  circle  around  the  orbits,  the  pupils  are  dilated  and 
sluggish,  the  eyes  become  lustreless,  and  the  face  has  a  haggard,  trou- 
bled furtive  expression.  These  physiognomic  characteristics  are  due  to 
atony  or  want  of  tone  in  the  cerebral  nerve-centres,  and  from  the  same 


352  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

cause  the  devitalized  patient  is  listless,  shy,  retiring  and  easily  con- 
fused, society  loses  its  charms,  and  solitude  is  preferred,  but  has,  how- 
ever, no  compensating  or  satisfying  influence  over  the  patient.  There 
is  a  want  of  steadiness  and  decision  in  his  locomotion,  his  inferior  ex- 
tremities are  deficient  in  power,  and  all  the  movements  are  suggestive 
of  a  mind  ill  at  ease.  The  mental  operations  are  confused,  speech  be- 
comes awkward  and  often  without  directness ;  memory  is  defective,  and 
the  patient  is  usually  absent-minded  and  given  to  reverie.  Pains  in  the 
lumbar  region,  and  a  sense  of  weight  and  aching  in  the  loins  are  experi- 
enced. The  appetite  is  capricious,  and  digestion  feeble.  The  mind  is 
deficient  in  power  of  attention,  the  imagination  is  constantly  peiwaded 
with  vague  erotic  dreams,  the  moral  sense  is  blunted  and  the  perceptions 
are  dull  and  confused.  Pains  in  the  course  of  the  principal  nerves  and 
extreme  nervous  sensibility  are  experienced.  The  patient  also  can  fix 
his  mind  on  any  subject  with  difficulty  ;  his  attention  wanders,  and  he 
is  given  to  day-dreams  and  erotic  visions. 

The  urine,  of  course,  contains  phosphates,  the  source  of  \^hich, 
whether  nervous  or  secretional,  is  easily  determined  by  analyzation  or 
microscopical  examination.  Urates  are  also  found  in  the  urine.  Those 
who  suspect  such  vital  loss,  may  with  sufficient  certainty  for  all  practi- 
cal purposes  ascertain  the  fact  by  a  simple  experiment.  The  morning 
urine  should  be  placed  in  a  clean  half-pint  bottle,  and  let  it  stand  from 
forty-eight  to  seventy-two  hours.  If  there  is  then  found  a  remarkably 
peculiar  or  cloudy  sediment  or  deposit  at  the  bottom,  the  fact  is  quite 
evident  that  some  of  the  losses  alluded  to  occur,  and  proper  aid  should 
be  sought  at  once. 

Such,  briefly,  are  the  e\idences  of  a  devitalized  nervous  system.  The 
condition,  as  is  palpable  to  every  one,  is  fraught  with  danger  to  the 
general  welfare,  and  even  to  life,  if  the  process  of  depletion  of  the  vital 
forces  continues  too  long,  or  if,  by  special  virulence  of  the  exciting 
cause,  the  devitalization  is  rapid  in  occurrence.  Any  loss  of  vital  power 
should  be  regarded  with  solicitude  and  deep  concern  by  every  one  who 
places  a  proper  estimation  upon  vigor  of  the  organism  and  its  special 
functions.  Careful  and  judicious  treatment  must  not  be  neglected, 
as  by  such  a  course  only  can  revitalization  be  speedily  and  adequately 
effected.  As  soon  as  loss  of  vital  force  becomes  apparent,  so  soon 
should  the  services  of  a  competent  and  experienced  physician  be  en- 
gaged. In  any  stage  of  devitalization,  rehabilitation  of  the  organism 
with  vitality  can  again  be  accomplished,  the  only  requirement  being 
employment  of  competent  medical  aid,  and  the  exhibition  of  vitalizing 
remedies.  Revitalization  can,  however,  only  be  effected  by  herbal  re- 
medies, as  their  organic  nature  alone  affords  the  elements  required  for 
reiiudowment  of  the  system  with  vital  force.  Minerals  are  lifeless,  and 
can  therefore  impart  no  vital  element. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  353 

Those  desiring  to  consult  the  author  with  reference  to  debility  or 
loss  of  vitality  from  any  cause  whatever,  may  refer  to  page  385,  where 
his  mode  of  treatment  is  described,  and  to  page  300,  where  the  neces 
sary  questions  are  asked. 

Satyuiasis. 

This  is  a  disease  characterized  by  a  constant  and  insatiable  desire  for 
coition,  and  so  called  because  the  satyrs  of  mythology  were  greatly  ad- 
dicted to  excesses.  The  disease  is  accompanied  by  a  strange  power  of 
frequent  congress  without  exhaustion.  It  is  a  nervous  disease,  depend- 
ent upon  a  disordered  state  of  the  cerebellum. 

Treatment.— It  can  be  cured  by  alow  diet,  frequent  shower  baths, 
physical  out-door  labor,  ice  bags  to  the  cerebellum,  a  hard  bed,  and 
hop  pillows. 

Stricture  of  the  Urethra. 

This  is  a  diminution  or  contracted  condition  of  the  tube,  and  may  be 
eithev  s^wsnwdie  or  permnne/it.  Spasmodic  stricture  depends  on  spasm 
of  the  muscles  of  the  perineum,  or  upon  contraction  of  the  muscukir 
portion  of  the  urethra.  Exposure  to  cold  and  indulgence  in  drink 
favor  an  attack,  which  usually  occurs  after  dinner.  It  generally  occurs 
in  persons  with  permanent  obstruction.  The  urine  is  suddenly  retained , 
the  desire  to  urinate  causes  incessant  straining,  the  bladder  becomes  dis- 
tended, the  countenance  anxious,  the  pulse  quick,  the  skin  hot,  and  at 
last  the  urine  dribbles,  or  the  bladder  may  burst,  and  extravasation  oc- 
curs into  the  peritoneeum  or  perinajum.  There  is  another  varietj'  of  this 
aifection,  termed  inflammatory  stricture,  caTised  by  abuse  of  injections, 
exposure,  or  intemperance  during  acute  gonorrhoea. 

Fermanen  t  stricture  is  a  contraction  from  permanent  inflammation, 
plastic  deposit  having  taken  place  in  the  tissue  beneath  the  mucous 
membrane.  The  occasion  of  this  inflammation  m^ay  be  gonorrhoja,  vene- 
ry,  kicks  or  blows,  riding  on  horseback,  acrid  urine,  drinking,  etc.  It 
is  situated  mo.st  frequently  in  the  membranous  portion  of  the  urethra, 
usually  a  few  inches  from  the  meatus.  The  extent  and  degree  of  con- 
traction vary.  Sometimes  the  stricture  is  verj'  tight,  but  limited,  as  if 
a  thread  had  been  tied  around  the  urethra  ;  more  frequently  it  is  of 
greater  extent,  containing  from  a  quarter  of  an  inch  to  several  inches. 
Several  strictures  may  exist  at  once.  Permanent  stricture  comes  on 
gradually,  occurring  mostly  in  middle-aged  men.  Urination  is  frequent, 
tedious,  and  painful  ;  the  stream  is  thin,  twisted,  or  forked  ;  and  a  few 
drops  pass  after  urination,  which  had  collected  behind  the  stricture. 
There  is  pain  in  the  periuajum,  thighs,  and  loins  ;  erection  is  often  jjainful ; 
chill  and  fever  constantly  occurrmg  as  in  ague  ;  the  testicles,  rectum,  and 
bowels  sympathize,  and  the  general  health  is  greatly  impaired.     It  is  a 


354  THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

disease  that  causes  extreme  annoyance,  pain,  and  dLsorder,  and  should 
receive  early  and  competent  treatment. 

Treatment. —  The  indication  iu  spasmodic  stricttire  is  to  overcome 
the  spasm,  and  relieve  the  bladder.  This  is  usually  effected  by  warm 
hip  baths,  Dover's  powder,  laudanum  enemata,  and  cold  water  upon  the 
genitals.  A  favorable  mental  impression  is  made  by  pouring  water 
from  a  can,  in  a  small  stream,  from  some  height,  into  a  vessel  containing 
water,  in  imitation  of  urination.  A  few  sniffs  of  ether  will  usually 
relax  the  spasm,  but  if  these  means  fail,  the  urine  should  be  drawn  of  by 
a  catheter. 

In  permanent  stricture  dilntntwn  by  means  of  flexible  bougies  is  the 
usual  method  of  cure.  Great  caution  is  necessary  in  the  use  of  these. 
Some  use  caustic  applications,  and  in  some  cases  puncturation  is  resort- 
ed to.  In  some  cases  opening  the  urethra  may  be  necessary,  as  the  stric- 
ture is  so  extensive  and  complete  that  no  other  means  ai"e  available. 

These  surgical  means  may  at  times  be  necessary,  but  I  have  curbed  very 
many  cases  by  purely  medicinal  treatment,  and  it  is  very  seldor^  that  J 
employ  bougies,  but  compel  absorption  of  the  deposit  by  alterative 
treatment.  In  some  cases,  however,  I  frequently  combine  dilatation 
with  medication.     Those  desiring  consultation  are  referred  to  page  390. 

Pkost-\titis. 

This  is  inflammation  of  the  prostate  gland.  It  usually  accompanies 
gonorrhoea,  but  may  exist  independently.  The  discharge  is  similar  to 
that  of  urethral  inflammation,  and  when  the  result  of  chronic  inflam- 
mation the  discharge  is  called  prostatorrhoea.  The  gland  is  frequently 
enlarged.  Chronic  inflammation  is  commonly  brought  on  by  gleet,  stric- 
ture, horse  exercise,  etc.,  and  is  most  frequently  met  with  in  advanced 
life,  and  disappears  upon  the  removal  of  the  cause.  The  gland  is  also 
enlarged  in  old  persons — a  hypertrophy  independent  of  inflammation. 
The  bladder  sympathizes,  and  becomes  ii'ritable  ;  the  urine  is  foetid,  mu- 
cous, and  its  stains  are  often  retaiued.     It  causes  mo.^t  intense  suffering. 

Tkeatment. — Leeches,  rest,  counter-ii-ritation,  alteratives,  laxatives, 
and  enemata  constitute  the  usual  treatment.  In  hypertrophy  of  tho 
organ,  the  usual  treatment  should  be  instituted.  The  medicinal  treat- 
ment, as  in  stricture,  is  important,  and  should  only  be  intrusted  to  those 
who  fully  understand  the  anatomy  of  the  organ,  and  the  pathology  of 
the  disease. 

Ouciiitis. 

This  is  the  liernia  hurrwralis  of  older  writers.  Swelled  testide  is  a  com- 
mon accompaniment  of  mumps.  It  is  often  the  result  of  an  injury,  but 
oftencr  of  gonorrhrea  and  its  treatment ;  exercise,  wet  and  cold  often  in- 
duce it.     Tho  gland  enlarges  greatly,  fever  attends,  causing  intense  pain. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  355 

It  is  usually  confined  to  one  of  the  glands,  and  mostly  the  epididymis. 
The  cord  is  often  swollen  and  painful. 

Treatment. — Low  diet  and  the  recumbent  position  are  essential 
Th'3  weight  of  the  tumor  should  be  supported  by  a  suspensory  bandage. 
After  the  acute  symjitoms  have  subsided,  friction  with  astringent  lotions, 
and  compression  by  adhesive  straps,  will  be  useful.  The  hardness  and 
swelling  are  likely  to  remain  unless  discussed  by  the  alteratives. 

Varicocele. 

This  is  a  varicose  condition  of  the  veins  of  the  spermatic  cord.  The 
causes  are  such  as  to  i^roduce  obstruction  to  the  return  of  blood: 
constipation,  corpulence,  tight  belts  around  the  abdomen,  and  warm 
climate.  It  is  usually  coexistent  with  genital  weakness.  The  left 
side  is  more  frequently  affected  than  the  right,  because  the  left  sperma- 
tic vein  is  more  likely  to  be  compressed  by  the  fasces  in  the  sigmoid  or 
S-shaped  flexure  of  the  rectum,  and  because  it  is  longer  and  not  so  di- 
rect in  its  course.  The  swelling  is  pear-shaped  and  feels  lUce  a  bunch 
of  earth-worms. 

Treat.ment.  —  The  cause,  if  ascertained,  should  be  removed,  and  the 
scrotum  constantly  bathed  in  cold  water,  and  supported  with  a  suspen- 
soiy  bandage. 

The  veins  are  sometimes  obliterated  by  a  surgical  operation.  It  can 
usually  be  overcome  by  proper  medical  treatment,  however,  and  the 
operation  should  only  be  the  last  resort. 

I  use  for  my  patients  a  self -ad  justing  susi^ensory  bandage,  which  can 
be  so  arranged  that  any  extent  of  compression  can  be  made,  and  which 
in  construction  is  simi^le  and  very  durable.  It  is  the  only  perfect  sus- 
pensory bandage  or  scrotal  supporter  luade,  and  the  only  one  from 
which  any  great  benefit  can  be  expected.  It  is  eminently  serviceable  in 
this  disease  as  well  as  in  orchitis,  and  no  one  suffering  from  these  dis- 
eases should  do  without  them.  Sent  by  mail,  postage  prepaid,  on 
receipt  of  $3. 

Diseases  op  the  Female  Oroajjs  op  Gekeration. 

The  genitalia  of  the  female  is  the  controlling  centre  of  her  whole 
economy.  If  the  womb  and  its  appendages  are  in  a  healthy  state,  the 
female  figure  preserves  its  artistic  rotundity,  her  mind  its  spriglitliness, 
and  her  humanity  its  benevolence  and  sympathy.  When  diseased,  she 
becomes  fretful,  peevish,  and  inconsolable.  The  province  of  the  phy- 
sician, therefore,  becomes  one  of  great  importance,  and  it  is  his  duty  that 
he  should  not  only  thoroughly  understand  the  pathology  of  uteruie  dis- 
eases, but  in  his  humanity  he  should  combine  a  fine  feeling  of  compas- 
sion, with  correct  ideas  of  the  treatment  required.     He  should  prove 


35G  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

worthy  of  the  trust  confided  to  him,  in  sympathy,  considerateness,  and 
skill.  " 

No  greater  trust  can  fall  upon  him  ;  he  is  not  only  accountable  foi 
the  physical  welfare  of  the  patient,  but  bears  a  further  resjionsibility. 
If  his  treatment  is  not  judicious  and  rational,  his  patient  becomes  a 
victim  to  a  gloomy  depression  of  spirits,  and  to  an  irrepressible  feeling 
of  languor  and  misery,  that  sternly  bid  away  all  brightness  of  life.  He 
will  but  poorly  do  his  duty  if  he  follows  but  the  beaten  track  of  a 
routine  practice,  and,  after  successive  trials,  consigns  his  suffering 
patient,  by  pronouncing  her  incurable,  to  a  condition  but  little  better 
than  the  grave.  Uterine  diseases  are  not  incurable,  but  when  properly 
treated  they  yield  kindly  to  medication,  as  the  disposition  of  all  womb 
affections  is  to  get  well,  needing  but  proper  medical  assistance  to  stimu- 
late and  ennourage  the  forces  of  recuperation  to  overcome  the  assaults 
of  disease.     (See  page  390)  .x 

Vulvitis.  \ 

This  is  characterized  by  redness  and  slight  tumefaction  of  skin, 
covered  with  mucus,  while  in  neglected  cases  the  parts  are  found  much 
excoriated.  It  generally  arises  from  want  of  cleanliness,  or  from  the 
acrid  character  of  the  vaginal  and  uterine  secretions.  It  may,  how- 
ever, be  produced  by  excessive  marital  indulgence  or  syphilitic  taint. 
The  symptoms  consist  of  great  pain  and  tenderness,  a  mucous  dis- 
charge, a  smarting  in  passing  urine,  and  a  constant  pain  about  the 
ioins  and  thighs. 

Treatment. — This  should  be  treated  by  hot  packs,  elm  poiiltices, 
and  a  wash  of  a  weak  solution  of  sulphate  of  zinc,  or  tincture  of 
myrrh.  Quinine,  macrotin  and  leptandrin  should  be  given  internally. 
The  parts  should  be  thoroughly  cleansed  every  day. 

Clitoritis. 

Inflammation  of  the  clitoris,  both  acute  and  chronic,  may  exist  from 
want  of  cleanliness,  or  be  produced  by  indiscretions.  It  is  accom- 
panied with  burning,  itching,  and  smarting  sensations.  Enlargement  is 
the  usual  result  of  either  acute  or  chronic  inllammation,  in  which  case 
there  is  extension  of  the  labia,  producing  irritation,  and  labial  leu- 
corrhoea. 

Trkatment. — When  the  parts  are  inflamed,  sitz-baths.  hot  packs, 
and  laxatives  will  usually  relieve  it.  In  case  of  hypertrophy,  it  may  be 
painted  once  or  twice  a  week  with  a  weak  tincture  of  iodine,  and  tlie 
compound  syrup  of  stillingia  given  internally.  When  there  is  extensive 
enlargement,  amputation  .sli  )uld  be  resorted  to. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  357 


Imperforate  Hymen. 

This  is  not  likely  to  be  discovered  until  the  commencement  of  men- 
stmation.  It  may  then  be  suspected,  if  the  female  has  all  the  symp- 
toms which  accompany  the  menses,  without  the  discharge  of  the  fluid, 
and  if  these  symptoms  should  occur  at  regular  periods,  accompanied 
with  a  sense  of  weight  and  fulness  of  the  vagina,  especially  if  an 
enlargement  is  perceptible  in  the  lower  abdomen,  with  paia  and  ten 
derness. 

The  symptoms  ameliorate  in  a  few  days,  but  return  at  each  menstrual 
period.  If  by  inspection  a  hemispherical  tumor,  of  a  livid  or  bluish 
color,  soft  and  fluctuating,  is  discovered,  the  fact  is  most  certain,  that 
it  is  caused  by  an  imperforate  hymen.  In  most  cases  the  membrane  is 
thin,  but  it  is  sometimes  from  one-fourth  to  three- eighths  of  an  inch 
thick. 

Treatment. — Press  the  finger  against  it  gently,  and  attempt  to 
lacerate  it  by  the  finger-nail.  If  it  will  not  yield,  perforation  should 
be  made  by  a  proper  instrument  in  the  hands  of  a  surgeon. 

Vaginitis. 

This  consists  of  either  acute  or  chronic  inflammation  of  the  vagina. 
It  may  be  confined  entirely  to  the  mucous  membrane,  or  it  may  extend 
to  the  ceUular  tissue  beneath.  It  is  attended  with  pain,  swelling, 
and  redness  of  the  vaginal  caual ;  the  mucous  membrane  is  of  a  vivid 
red  color,  and  the  folds  are  more  developed  and  prominent  than  is 
natural.  At  the  first  stage  there  is  an  arrest  of  the  secretions,  but 
after  a  few  days  serous  exudation  occurs,  which  becomes  purulent,  and 
of  a  yellowish  or  greenish  color.  The  disease  may  arise  from  cold, 
which  is  the  most  frequent  cause ;  from  injuries  to  the  vagina  by 
\'ioleuce,  imprudence  in  the  marital  association,  exertion  after  delivery, 
high  living,  etc. 

TiiKATMENT. — A  gentle  purgative  should  be  taken,  and  the  vagina 
fre(|ueutly  injected  with  warm  water,  the  patient  kept  quiet,  and  the 
inflammation  controlled  by  veratrum.  Astringent  injections  are  also 
useful     The  chronic  form  should  be  treated  as  vagmal  leucorrhoea. 

Menstru.\tion. 

Though  this  is  not  a  disease  but  a  healthy  function,  but  as,  from 
various  causes,  derangement  of  the  function  occurs,  it  is  proper  that  it 
should  be  perfectly  understood.  Menstruation  is  the  term  applied  to 
the  phenomenon  that  attends  the  rupture  of  what  is  called  the  Gradjian 
follicles  of  the  ovary,  and  the  discharge  of  an  ova,  or  egg.  It  is  a  bloody 
discharge  from  the  female  genitals — not  differing  from  ordinary  blood, 


358  THE  COMrLETE  HERBALIST. 

excepting'  that  it  does  not  coagulate,  and  in  its  peciiliar  odor.  The 
blood  comes  from  the  capillaries  of  the  womb  and  vagina. 

Menoplidnia,  or  the  first  appearance  of  the  menses,  is  usually  prece- 
ded by  a  discharge  of  a  fluid  whitish  matter  from  the  vagina,  by 
nervous  excitement,  and  by  vague  pains  and  heaviness  in  the  loins  and 
thighs;  numbness  of  the  limbs,  and  sv/elling  and  hardness  of  the 
breasts.  The  first  appearance  is  an  evidence  of  capacity  for  conception. 
It  generally  appears  about  the  age  of  fourteen,  but  varies  from  nine  to 
twenty-four  years.  In  warm  climates  women  begin  to  menstruate 
earlier,  and  cease  sooner  than  in  temperate  regions  ;  in  the  cold  climates 
the  reverse  of  this  holds  as  a  general  rule.  The  manifestations  of  ap- 
proaching puberty  are  seen  in  the  development  of  breasts,  the  expansion 
of  the  hips,  the  rounded  contour  of  the  body  and  limbs,  appearance  of 
the  purely  feminine  figure,  development  of  the  voice,  and  the  child  be- 
comes reserved,  and  exchanges  her  plays  for  the  pursuits  of  ^voman- 
hood.  .; 

More  or  less  indisposition  and  irritability  also  precede  each  su(fcessive 
recurrence  of  the  menstrual  flux,  such  as  headache,  lassitude,  im- 
easiness,  pain  in  hack,  loins,  etc.  The  periods  succeed  each  other 
usually  about  every  twenty-eight  days,  although  it  may  occur  every 
twenty-two,  twenty,  eighteen,  fifteen,  or  thirty-two,  thirty-five,  and  forty 
days.  The  most  important  element  is  the  regularity  of  the  return.  In 
temperate  climates  each  menstrual  jieriod  ordinarily  continues  from  three 
to  six  days,  and  the  quantity  lost  from  four  to  eight  ounces.  The  menses 
continue  to  flow  from  the  period  of  puberty  till  the  age  of  forty-five 
or  fifty.  At  the  time  of  its  natural  cessation,  the  flow  becomes  irregu- 
lar, and  this  iiTegularity  is  accompanied  occasionally  with  symptoms  of 
dropsy,  glandular  swellings,  etc.,  constituting  the  crit teal  j)Cfio(l,  turn, 
or  clmiKje,  of  life  ;  yet  it  does  not  appear  that  mortality  is  increased  by 
it,  as  vital  statistics  show  that  more  men  die  between  forty  and  fifty 
than  women. 

It  should  be  the  duty  of  every  mother  or  female  in  charge  of  a  child, 
in  whom  age  or  actual  manifestations  suggest  the  approach  of  puberty, 
to  acquaint  her  with  the  nature  of  her  visitation,  and  the  importance  of 
her  conduct  in  regard  to  it.  She  should  be  taught  that  it  is  perfectly 
natural  to  all  females  at  a  certain  period,  and  that  its  arrival  necessi- 
tates caution  on  her  part  with  regard  to  exposure  to  wet  or  cold.  The 
author  has  made  the  acquaintance  of  the  history  of  many  cases  of 
consumption,  and  other  diseases,  which  were  directly  induced  by  folly 
and  ignorance  at  the  first  menstrual  flow.  The  child  is  often  kept  in 
extreme  ignorance  of  the  liability  of  womanhood  occurring  to  her  at  a 
certain  age,  and  hence  when  she  observes  a  flow  of  blood  escaping  from 
■3  part,  the  delicacy  attached  to  the  locality  makes  her  reticent  with  re- 
gard t^  inquiry  or  exposure  ;  she  naturally  becomes  alarmed,  and  most 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  359 

likely  attempts  to  stanch  the  flow,  with  bathing  or  applying  cold  water 
to  the  part,  thus  doing  incalculable  mischief. 

This  purely  feminine  physiological  function  should  be  well  studied 
and  understood  by  all  females.  At  least  they  should  know  that  the 
phenomenon  is  a  natural  one,  liable  to  disorder,  and  that  the  best 
interests  of  their  general  health  demands  care  and  prudence  on  their 
part  to  maintain  regularity,  etc. ,  of  the  flow.  Disregard  of  such  a  duty 
will  surely  entail  much  misery. 

Amenorrhcea. 

This  may  occur  in  three  forms.  1st.  "Where  evacuation  has  never  oc- 
curred, or  retenti/jn  of  the  meases.  2d.  Where  there  has  been  no  secre- 
tion. 3d.  Suppression.  There  are  cases  where  the  secretion  has  been 
perfect,  but  the  discharge  prevented  by  occlusion  of  the  vagina,  or  im- 
perforate hymen,  etc.;  again,  secretion  may  never  have  occurred,  owing 
to  a  congenital  deficiency  of  the  ovaries ;  and  there  are  cases  where 
the  uterus  and  ovaries  are  sound,  yet  no  flow  from  the  vagina. 
The  most  common  variety,  however,  is  suppression  after  they  had 
once  been  regularly  established.  It  may  cease  by  degrees,  as  in  con- 
sumptive and  scrofulous  patients,  or  occurs  as  the  resiilt  of  cold,  which 
induces  inflammation  of  the  uterus  or  ovaries.  It  may  also  be  induced 
by  excessive  venery,  wot  feet,  ice  water,  insufficient  clothing,  bathing, 
fear,  grief,  anxiety,  emetics,  drastic  purgatives,  falls,  copulation  during 
flow,  etc.  The  symptoms  are  weight,  paiu  in  the  head,  loins,  and  uterine 
regions,  hot  skin,  apoplexy  and  epilepsy  in  some  cases,  vicarious  hemor- 
rhages, palpitation  of  the  heart,  constijiation,  chills,  loss  of  appetite,  etc. 

Treatment.— Give  a  hot  foot-bath,  if  the  suppression  be  recent,  and 
apply  hot  mustard  poultices  to  the  breasts.  Internally  give  tansy,  thyme 
or  wintergreen  tea,  keep  the  patient  warm,  and  allow  but  gentle  exer- 
cise. A  compound  decoction  of  seneca,  cotton  root,  and  Indian  hemp 
is  also  very  beneficial.  In  obstinate  cases,  a  hot  sitz-bath  should  be  given 
during  the  operation  of  the  medicine,  so  as  to  centre  the  blood  in  the 
pelvis.  If  this  does  not  succeed,  the  system  should  be  invigorated  by 
quinine,  blue  cohosh,  life  root,  wine,  etc.,  and  then  the  above  treatment 
repeated.  The  chronic  form  of  the  disease  should  be  treated  by  sup- 
porting and  invigorating  remedies,  such  as  bayberiy,  black  cohosh,  sitz- 
baths,  galvanism,  tonics,  etc. 

DvSMENORRnCEA. 

Painful  menstruation  occurs  generally  in  single  v/omen,  and  is  produced 
by  inflammation  or  ulceration  of  the  mouth  of  the  womb,  neuralgia  of 
the  womb  during  menstruation,  indiscretions,  constipation,  and  a  ner- 
vous irritable  temperament.  The  symptoms  are  restlessness,  heat, 
fhished  face,  weight  and  heaviness  iu  the  head,  pain  in  tlie  back,  and 


3G0  TTTE    COMPLETE    nERRALIST. 

pelvic  regions,  sometimes  so  severe  as  to  cause  fainting'.  After  a  time 
the  pain  becomes  bearing  down,  accompanied  by  a  shreddy  discharge, 
or  blood-clots.  In  yonng  and  plethoric  subjects,  but  little  effect  is  pro- 
duced on  the  general  health,  bi\t  in  nervous  persons  the  health  fails, 
and,  not  unfrcquentlj,  consumption  ensues.  Women  subject  to  dysmen- 
orrhoea  are  liable  to  cancer  after  the  t'lra  of  life. 

Treatment. — When  the  disease  is  produced  by  inflammation  or  ulce- 
ration of  the  mouth  of  the  womb,  hot  sitz-baths,  with  hot  vaginal  injec- 
tions frequently  repeated,  in  connection  with  ten  or  fifteen  drops  of  the 
tincture  of  cravvley  every  two  or  three  hours,  will  usually  relieve  it. 
Mild  purges  should  also  be  taken.  When  due  to  neuralgia,  black  co- 
hosh should  be  given,  and  the  treatment  of  neuralgia  instituted.  Sene- 
cin,  gossypiin,  and  gelsemin,  are  also  valuable.  'WTien  prodiiced  by  an 
initable  constitution,  ladics'-slipper,  scullcap,  etc.,  should  be  given. 
Out-door  exercises  "and  a  nutritious  diet  should  be  prescribed. 

MENORKnAGIA.  ' 

This  is  characterized  by  profuse,  prolonged,  or  too  frequent  menstru- 
ation, separately  or  conjoined.  It  is  accompanied  by  headache,  hot 
skin,  full  pulse,  weight  in  the  back,  hips,  loins,  pelvis,  etc.  It  is  caused 
by  hot  rooms,  abortion.s,  leucorrhcsa,  falls,  maiital  excesses,  long  walks, 
constipation,  etc.  The  health  gives  way,  the  patient  becomes  bloodless, 
and  exhaustion  ensues  upon  the  least  exercise. 

Treatment. — This  should  be  treated  by  wild  cherry,  gelsemin,  uni- 
corn root,  beth  root,  and  injections  of  a  decoction  of  golden-seal,  ma- 
tico,  and  cinchona.  If  the  hemorrhage  is  active,  a  strong  decoction  of 
tannin  or  cranesbill  may  be  injected,  and  ten  or  fifteen  grains  of  cayenne 
pepper  administered.  The  oil  of  erigeron  is  also  useful.  Tonics  should 
be  given  in  relaxed  condition  of  the  system. 

Vicarious  Menstruation. 

This  is  a  discharge  from  some  other  part  than  the  utcnis,  usually  oc- 
cui-ring  in  the  unmarried.  In  the  married,  they  are  usually  barren.  The 
blood  may  escape  from  any  part  of  the  skin  or  mucous  membrane,  in 
the  form  of  bleeding  from  the  nose,  lungs,  etc. 

Tre.\t.mknt.— Ten  or  fifteen  drops  of  the  oil  of  solidago  should  be 
given  four  or  five  times  a  day,  in  connection  with  sitz-baths,  tonics,  etc. 
Life  root  is  especially  valuable. 

Chlorosis. 

This  is  a  disease  characterized  by  chronic  anaemia,  or  bloodlessness, 
affecting  females  about  the  age  of  puberty.  In  some  instances  it  is  un- 
doubtedly depciidciit  upon  a  nervous  affection,  but  in  most  instances  it 
13  connected  with  disordered  menstruation  and  o^ther  causes.       The  red 


THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST.  361 

corpuscles  of  the  blood  are  pale  and  small,  and  diminished  in  numbers. 
The  countenance  assumes  a  wax-like  hue,  which  is  so  remarkably  cha- 
racteristic, that  the  disease  is  called  by  nurses  ' '  green  sickness. "  The 
appetite  is  irregular,  with  craving  for  particular  kinds  of  food,  the  urine 
is  thick  and  full  of  sediment,  and  there  is  usually  vertigo,  headache, 
backache,  hysterical  affections,  dysmenorrhcea,  and  leucorrhcea.  The 
tongue  is  flaccid  and  indented  at  the  edges,  the  pulse  is  weak  and  quick, 
and  there  is  a  feeling  of  general  languor,  with  great  indisposition  to 
bodily  or  mental  exercise. 

Treatment. — When  arising  from  feeble  and  imperfect  digestion, 
give  piickly  ash,  alder,  golden-seal,  and  nux  vomica,  cautiously.  The  ani- 
mal oils  are  also  very  serviceable.  The  great  object  in  the  treatment  of 
this  disease  is  to  restore  the  general  health,  and  not  to  force  menstruation 
by  agents  having  that  power.  The  patient  wants  strength  and  blood, 
and  when  that  is  achieved,  menstruation  will  be  natural.  Baths,  fric- 
tion, out-door  exercise,  and  a  nutritious  diet  should  not  be  neglected. 

Cessation  op  the  Menses. 

We  have  already  stated  that  this  usually  occurs  between  the  ages  of 
forty  and  iifty,  but  in  some  cases  it  occurs  much  earlier,  in  others  much 
later.  The  courses  become  irregular,  often  staj'ing  away  two  or  three 
months.  Nausea  and  vomiting,  swelling  of  the  abdomen,  tenderness  of 
the  breasts,  etc. ,  are  the  prominent  symptoms.  Pregnancy  may  some- 
times be  suspected,  and  there  are  frequently  uterine  pains,  a  dragging 
sensation  in  the  back  and  loins,  accompanied  by  violent  headache,  a 
loaded  tongue,  and  .symptoms  of  indigestion.  A  sudden  return  of  the 
menses  mitigates  the  symptoms,  which  usually  last  longer  than  is  natu- 
ral, and  also  more  profuse. 

Treatment. ^If  the  symptoms  are  slight,  regulate  the  bowels  and 
diet,  bathe  the  surface,  and  occasionally  wear  a  pack,  saturated  with 
equal  parts  of  whiskey  and  water,  upon  the  lower  bowel.  If  more  severe, 
take  unicorn  root  in  decoction.  Ladies'-slipper,  wafer-ash,  and  black 
cohosh,  are  also  very  good.  The  tonics  should  also  be  given  in  debili- 
tated subjects.  In  fact  the  constitutional  symptoms  should  be  met  with 
such  remedies  as  are  indicated,  as  soon  as  they  manifest  themselves. 

Leucorrhcea. 

This  is  commonly  known  as  the  tchites.  It  consists  of  a  discharge 
from  the  vagina,  or  inner  cavity  of  the  womb,  of  a  catarrhal  character, 
varying  in  color  from  a  light  to  a  yellowish-green,  or  reddish-brown.  It 
is  usually  due  to  inflammation  of  the  mouth  and  neck  of  the  womb 
[cervicitis).,  but  it  is  also  caused  by  congestion  and  inflammation  of  the 
interior  membrane  of  the  organ  (endo-cervicitis),  in  which  case  it  is  more 
serious,  and  more  diflEicult  to  cure.  There  are  few  females  who  are  not 
16 


363  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

occasionally  subject  to  moderate  leucorrhoea.  It  may  be  known  by  the 
dischargfe,  but  also  by  the  attendant  pain  and  a  sense  of  heaviness  in  the 
loins,  abdomen,  and  tnig-hs,  disordered  digestive  functions,  palpitation  of 
the  heart,  etc.  It  causes  great  impairment  of  the  general  health  when 
long  continued. 

Treatment. — Wear  flannels  next  to  the  skin,  and  pay  attention  to 
the  general  health.  Keep  the  pores  open  by  the  proper  medicines.  In 
acute  cases  inject  cold  water,  and  in  chronic,  warm  water.  This  will 
modify'  the  inflammation.  After  this,  injections  of  a  strong  decoction 
of  golden-seal,  white-oak  bark,  or  cinchona,  should  be  frequently  used, 
and  witch-hazel  taken  internally.  Dog-wood,  bayberry,  black  and  blue 
cohosh,  and  gelsemin,  are  also  used  for  the  same  purpose  The  astrin- 
gent injections  are  also  serviceable.  Rest  and  quiet  are  important  in 
the  treatment  of  the  disease.  Patients  should,  however,  intrust  the 
treatment  to  an  intelligent  physician,  who  should  ascertain  the  cause, 
when,  if  the  proper  treatment  is  given,  the  disease  will  soon  be  cured. 

Ulceration  op  the  Womr. 

This  is  chiefly  confined  to  the  neck  of  the  organ,  occurring  most 
frequently  in  those  who  have  borne  children.  It  is  caused  by  ex- 
cesses in  married  life,  imprudence  during  menstruation,  as  standing, 
walking,  lifting,  etc. ,  and  very  often  premature  efforts  after  abortion 
or  labor.  There  is  always  more  or  less  discharge  associated  with  ulcera- 
tion, which  in  quality  is  mucous,  purulent,  or  starchy,  and  in  color, 
milky,  greeni.sh,  yellowish,  or  brownish, — often  tenacious  masses  of  mu- 
cus, like  starch,  come  away.  It  affects  the  general  health  similarly  to 
leucorrhoea. 

Treatment. — Rest  should  be  observed,  and  marital  excesses  aban- 
doned. The  treatment  for  leucorrhoBa  should  be  instituted.  Vaginal 
injections  of  rcd-raspbcrry  leaves  and  golden-seal  prove  very  beneficial 
in  this  disease.  The  constitutional  treatment  in  this  disease  is  more 
important  than  any  local  api)lications,  and  should  take  precedence. 

Falling  op  the  Womb  (Prolapsus  Uteri). 

This  is  denoted  by  pain  in  the  back  and  loins,  heat  in  the  vagina, 
painful  copulation,  painful  and  irregular  menstruation,  constipation 
and  diarrhoea  in  alternation,  irritable  bladder,  etc.  The  mouth  of  the 
womb  can  be  more  readily  felt  than  is  natural,  feeling  spongy  and  hot, 
and  very  tender  on  pressure.  It  may  be  ulcerated,  and  bleed  upon 
the  slightest  touch.  The  patient  has  all  the  symi)toms  of  dyspepsia, 
hysteria,  neuralgia,  palpitation,  cough,  and  difficulty  of  breathing.  It  is 
directly  caused  by  weakness  of  the  broad  and  lateral  ligaments,  and 
remotely  by  various  causes.  It  is  a  disease  severe  in  its  effects,  causing 
much  suffering  and  impaiiineut  of  healtli. 


THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST.  363 

Treatment. — The  patient  should  observe  perfect  quietude.  The 
Inflammation  and  ulceration  of  the  womb  treated  as  previously  described. 
The  womb  should  be  gently  replaced  to  its  normal  position,  the  bowels 
kept  open  by  mild  laxatives,  and  the  vagina  injected  with  a  warm  de. 
coction  of  hemlock  and  white  oak  bark.  Pessaries  do  more  harm  than 
good,  but  abdominal  supporters  to  sustain  the  weight  of  the  bowels 
should  be  worn  in  aU  cases.     (See  page  370) 

Utereste  Dropsy  (HYDROjrETRA). 

This  is  an  accumulation  of  fluid  in  the  womb,  caused  by  inflamma- 
tion and  constitutional  debility.  During  the  first  months  the  symptoms 
resemble  those  of  pregnancy ;  but  by  introducing  the  finger,  so  as  to 
touch  the  neck  of  the  womb,  and  pressing  the  tumor,  fluctuation  of 
fluids  is  felt.  The  menses  are  usually  suppressed,  and  general  debility 
will  appear,  if  the  disease  continues.  The  patient  may  die  from  ex- 
haustion, or  the  walls  of  the  womb  may  be  ruptured  from  the  pressure 
of  the  fluid,  causing  fatal  peritonitis. 

Treatment. — A  tordc  and  hygienic  treatment  should  be  prescribed, 
and  if  you  can  introduce  a  catheter  into  the  womb  and  evacuate  the  fluid, 
it  should  be  done,  but  it  is  better  to  intrust  this  to  an  able  physician. 

Anteversion  and  Retroversion. 

If  the  womb  falls  forward  upon  the  bladder,  and  towards  the  pubes, 
it  con-stitutes  anteversion.  In  this  case  the  top  or  fundus  of  the  womb 
is  turned  forward  to  the  bladder,  and  the  mouth  towards  the  rectum. 
When  the  womb  falls  over  backwards,  between  the  rectum  and  the  vagina, 
it  is  said  to  be  retroverted.  In  this  case  the  fundus  is  turned  towards 
the  rectum,  and  the  neck  towards  the  bladder.  If  the  womb  is  antevert- 
ed  and  turned  upon  itself,  it  is  a7i(ejlexed,  and  when  retroverted  and 
turned  upon  itself  it  is  called  retTOJlexion.  These  displacements  may  occur 
suddenly  or  gradually,  causing  great  distress.  The  usual  symptoms  are 
costiveness  and  straining  at  stool,  frequent  urination,  painful  menstrua- 
tion, pain  in  the  lumbar  region,  and  down  the  limbs,  neuralgia,  hyster- 
ics, and  nervous  debility.  It  is  a  serious  affection,  and  should  receive 
early  attention  and  proper  treatment. 

Treatment.— The  organ  is  first  to  be  replaced  to  its  normal  position, 
and  then  the  treatment  for  falling  of  the  womb  instituted.  Such  im- 
portant diseases  should,  however,  be  confided  to  the  care  and  direction 
of  a  competent  physician.  Great  relief  is  at  all  times  gained  by 
wearing  abdominal  supporters. 

Hydatids. 

These  consist  of  a  formation  of  small  cysts  or  bladders  of  water  in 
Ihe  uterus,  developed  from  the  inner  membrane,  and  vary  in  size  from 


3G4  THE    COMPLETE    nEKPALIST. 

half  a  pear  to  a  partridge's  egg.  They  are  usually  oval,  vrith  a  thin 
wall,  opaque,  and  contain  a  thin  fluid.  They  are  most  frequently  in 
clusters,  and  numerous.  The  symptoms  simulate  those  of  early  preg- 
nancy, such  as  nausea,  vomiting,  enlargement  of  the  womb,  fulness  of 
the  breasts,  suppression  of  the  menses,  etc.  In  a  few  months,  the  patient 
feels  a  weight  and  uneasiness  about  the  abdomen,  followed  by  uterine 
pains,  hemorrhage,  and  expulsion  of  the  hydatids. 

TuEATMENT. — If  the  flooding  is  excessive,  control  it  by  injecting 
vinegar  or  astringents  and  administer  ten  or  fifteen  drops  of  the  oil  of 
erigeron  every  fifteen  minutes.  If  the  pain  is  not  sufficient  to  expel  the 
masses,  give  a  warm  infusion  of  blue  cohosh  or  cotton  root.  Ergot  may  also 
be  given.    After  the  expulsion  the  patient  should  receive  tonic  treatment. 


PREGNANCY  AND  ITS  ACCIDENTS. 

Pregnancy. 

The  first  sign  of  pregnancy  is  a  cessation  of  the  menstrual  flOw.  This 
will  generally  be  noticed  between  two  and  three  weeks  after  conception, 
and  about  the  same  time  the  woman  will  discover  her  breasts  to  be  eiiarg- 
ing,  and  notice  that  the  rings  around  the  nipple  are  darker,  and  cover  more 
space  than  usual.  She  will  also,  to  a  greater  or  lesser  degree,  experience 
nausea  in  the  morning,  and  often  be  afilicted  by  vomiting,  while  she 
will  experience  dull  pains  in  the  "small"  of  the  back,  a  decided  disin- 
clination for  exertion,  and  considerable  nervousness.  As  the  womb  in- 
creases in  size  and  weight  (which  becomes  apparent  between  the  second 
and  third  months  after  conception),  it  sinks  lower  into  the  cavity  of  the 
pelvis  (or  part  of  the  trunk  which  bounds  the  abdomen  below),  and  pro- 
duces much  suffering,  especially  when  the  pehds  is  small  or  narrow. 
After  the  fourth  month,  the  womb,  finding  insufficient  accommodation 
in  the  pelvis,  mounts  higher,  and  seeks  room  in  the  more  capacious  and 
yielding  belly.  Then  the  distress  in  the  back,  fnd  the  sickness  and 
vomiting  are  somewhat  modified,  or  in  some  conii)aratively  disappear 
altogether.  When  the  condition  of  pregnancy  is  first  discovered,  the 
woman,  no  matter  how  robust,  should  avoid  all  over-exertion  or  excite- 
ment, and  should  bear  in  mind  constantly  St.  Paul's  motto  of  "modera- 
tion in  all  things."  A  state  of  indolence  is  productive  of  disastrous,  or, 
at  least,  painful  conseiiuences.  Judicious  exercise,  and  a  determination 
to  be  cheerful  and  contented,  will  do  much  towards  suppressing  the 
usual  annoyances  of  pregnancy,  while  moping  and  idling  will  increase 
them,  and  will  almost  invariably  l)ring  about  a  hard  labor.  Tluis  the 
poor  working  woman,  providing  she  does  not  labor  too  hard,  or  expose 
herself  impnulently  to  the  vicissitudes  of  the  weather,  rarely  suffers  so 
much  in  child-bed  as  the  woman  who  lives  only  to  be  petted  and  admir- 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  365 

ed,  and  who  seldom  breathes  the  air  of  heaven  in  its  delicious  ptirity. 
Among  the  many  incidental  afflictions  of  pregnacy,  are  costiveness  and 
piles.  These  are  produced  by  the  pressure  of  the  enlarging  womb  upon 
the  lower  bowel.  This,  becoming  filled  with  hardened  matter,  in  turn 
presses  upon  the  womb,  and  endeavors  to  crowd  it  out  of  the  way.  The 
combined  and  continual  pressure  of  the  womb  and  bowel  upon  the 
,water-pipe,  causes  great  difficulty  in  making  water,  and  their  unmter- 
rupted  weight  upon  the  ascending  veins  produces  congestion  in  the 
lower  bowel,  and  hence  the  appearance  of  painful  and  disagreeable 
piles.  The  stomach  and  bowels  should  be  kept  in  the  best  possible 
order.  To  prevent  or  ameliorate  piles,  use  seidlitz  powders  every  day, 
and  inject  into  the  bowels  half  a  pint  of  pure  cold  water  every  morning. 
With  regard  to  nausea,  if  it  continues  after  the  first  three  months,  eat 
nothing  but  plain,  yet  nourishing  food,  and  use  chamomile  flower  tea  as  a 
beverage. 

The  habit  of  swathing  or  bandaging  during  any  period  of  pregnancy  is 
decidedly  injurious,  unless  the  woman  be  of  a  very  fragile  form  and  de- 
bilitated constitution.  The  child  quickens  about  the  end  of  the  fourth 
month,  when  its  motions  will  often  produce  hysterics  and  fainting  fits, 
and  the  mother  (for  such  she  then  is)  becomes  peevish,  irritable,  thin, 
and  weak.  Great  care  must  be  taken  to  combat  this  peevishness  and 
irritabihty  by  fixing  the  mind  upon  pleasant  thoiights,  and  mixing  with 
lively  company,  if  it  be  available.  It  wUl  be  as  well,  too,  for  the  woman 
to  he  down  a  little  while,  two  or  three  times  a  day,  and  not  to  remain 
in  an  erect  position  too  long  without  taking  a  little  rest.  During  the 
last  three  months,  the  woman  will  generally  sufi'er  much  uneasiness  ' '  all 
over,"  and  will  experience  trouble  in  the  attempt  to  get  a  perfect  night's 
rest.  They  should  not  touch  opiates  under  these  circumstances.  When 
varicose  swellings  of  the  veins  of  the  legs  are  produced,  a  good  plan  is  to 
wear  a  laced  stocking  over  the  affected  parts,  and  this  should  be  adjust- 
ed so  as  not  to  press  too  tightly  upon  the  limb.  It  should  be  arranged 
so  that  the  pressure  will  be  equal  throughout  its  length.  Sometimes  deli- 
cate women  have  convulsive  fits  hi  the  last  stage  of  pregnancy.  These 
are  dangerous,  and  no  time  should  be  lost  in  calling  in  an  experienced 
midwife  to  take  charge  of  the  case.  However,  a  two-grain  opium  pill 
administered  internally,  an  injection  of  warm  suds,  and  mustard  plasters 
applied  to  the  feet,  and  between  the  shoulders,  will  not  fail  of  giving 
speedy  relief.  Also  bathe  the  feet  in  warm  water.  The  habitual  use  of 
the  warm  bath  will  often  prevent  these  convulsions. 

Palpitation  of  the  heart,  cramps  of  the  legs  and  thighs,  tooth-ache, 
pufl:"y  swellings,  suppression  of  urine  (use  parsley  tea  for  this),  lethargy 
and  headache  are  always  accompaniments  of  pregnancy.  For  cramps 
and  swellings,  bathe  the  parts  with  warm  water  and  red  pepper,  or  mus- 
tard.    K  the  swellings  are  very  troublesome,  apply  fomentations  of  bit- 


366  THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

ter  herbs.  In  order  to  prevent  sore  nipples  (which,  if  neglected,  merge 
into  caked  and  broken  breasts),  bathe  them  daily  several  times  with 
alum-water,  or  a  decoction  of  white  oak  l)ark.  This  bathing  should  be 
commenced  about  six  weeks  before  confinement.  Fox-glove  (digitalis) 
is  recommended  by  many  for  palpitation  of  the  heart ;  but  I  discounte- 
nance its  use.  A  little  compound  spirits  of  lavender,  in  water,  and  mod- 
erate doses  of  Turkey  rhubarb  will  alleviate  the  attacks. 

All  pregnant  women  should  wear  flannel  drawers  and  keep  the  feet 
warm. 

All  expectant  mothers  may  greatly  render  a  coming  labor  more  easy 
and  painless,  if,  at  about  the  eighth  month,  they  thoroughly  rub  my 
''Herbal  Ointment"  (see  page  472)  externally  on  the  abdomen  once  a 
day,  and  continue  until  labor,  and  at  about  the  middle  of  the  ninth 
month  they  should  lubricate  the  vagina  and  womb  with  the  ointment. 
This  has  the  effect  of  making  the  mouth  more  dilatable,  the  soft 
parts  more  yielding,  and  consequently  a  safe  and  comparatively  easy 
labor. 

The  time  of  labor  to  every  expectant  mother  causes  constant  Solici^tude, 
and  scarcely  any  woman  approaches  the  period  fearless  of  the  result,  but 
very  anxious  as  to  the  suffermg  or  safety  of  life.  In  the  present  con- 
dition of  civilized  woman,  we  well  know  that  the  phenomenon  of  child- 
birth is  attended  with  pains  of  an  agonizing  character,  but  that  the  suf- 
fering is  mostly  owing  to  habits  of  life,  dress,  etc. ,  now  characterizing 
woman,  is  equally  certain.  It  would  be  an  anomaly  in  nature  if  a  pro- 
cess, so  natural  to  females  as  child-birth,  was  originally  ordained  to  be 
agonizingly  painful,  and  it  is  quite  evident  that  the  pain  now  character- 
izing nearly  all  cases  of  labor  is  an  infliction  imposed  by  nature  in  con- 
sequence of  violation  of  some  of  her  laws.  We  are  glad  to  see  intelli- 
gent women  approaching  this  subject,  and  have  seen  no  brighter  gleam 
of  sunshine  than  Mrs.  Stanton's  recent  address  at  San  Francisco,  which 
no  false  delicacy  should  prevent  being  reproduced  in  every  paper  in  the 
land.  She  said,  "  We  must  educate  our  daughters  that  motherhood  is 
grand,  and  that  God  never  cursed  it.  And  the  curse,  if  it  be  a  curse, 
may  be  rolled  off,  as  man  has  rolled  away  the  curse  of  labor,  as  the  curse 
has  been  rolled  from  the  descendants  of  Ham."  While  saying  that  her 
mission  among  woman  was  to  preach  a  new  gospel,  she  tells  the  women 
that,  if  they  suffer,  it  is  not  because  they  are  cursed  by  God,  but  be- 
cause they  violate  his  laws.  What  an  incubus  it  would  take  from  wo- 
man could  she  be  educated  to  know  that  the  pains  of  maternity  are  no 
curse  upon  her  kind.  We  know  that  among  Indians  the  squaws  do  not 
suffer  in  child-birth.  They  will  step  aside  from  the  ranlvs,  even  on  the 
march,  and  return  iu  a  .short  time  bearing  with  them  the  new-bom 
child.  What  an  r.bsurdity,  then,  to  suppose  that  only  culightened  Chris- 
tian women  arc  cursed.    But  Mrs.  Stanton  saya  that  one  word  of  tact  is 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  367 

■worth,  a  volume  of  philosophy,  and  gives  her  experience  as  follo-ws  :  "I 
am  the  mother  of  seven  children.  My  girlhood  was  spent  mostly  in  the 
open  air.  I  early  imbibed  the  idea  that  a  girl  was  just  as  good  as  a 
boy,  and  I  carried  it  out.  I  would  walk  five  miles  before  breakfast,  or 
ride  ten  on  horseback.  After  I  was  married  I  wore  my  clothing  sensi- 
bly. The  weight  hung  alone  on  my  shoulders.  I  never  compressed  my 
body  out  of  its  naturn.l  shape.  My  first  four  children  were  bom,  and  I 
suffered  but  very  little.  I  then  made  up  my  mind  that  it  was  totally 
unnecessary  for  me  to  suffer  at  all ;  so  I  dressed  lightly,  walked  every 
day,  lived  as  much  as  possible  in  the  open  air,  ate  no  condiments  or 
spices,  kept  quiet,  listened  to  music,  looked  at  pictures,  read  poetry. 
The  child  was  bom  without  a  particle  of  pain.  I  bathed  it  and  dressed 
it  and  it  weighed  ten  and  one -half  pounds.  That  same  day  I  dined 
vdth  the  family.  Everybody  said  I  would  die,  but  I  never  had  a  relapse 
or  a  moment's  inconvenience  from  it.  I  know  this  is  not  being  delicate 
and  refined,  but  if  you  would  be  vigorous  and  healthy  in  spite  of  the 
diseases  of  your  ancestors  and  your  own  disregard  of  nature's  laws,  try.'' 
While  we  heartily  endorse  all  that  Mrs.  Stanton  has  said  in  this  matter, 
we  could  not  advise  every  mother  to  "  dine  with  the  family  "  on  the  day 
of  her  labor.  It  would  be  an  exceedingly  dangerous  proceeding ;  but  if 
every  woman  would  be  willing  to  practise  the  same  initiatory  training, 
which  is  so  healthful,  because  in  accordance  with  physiological  laws, 
there  is  probably  no  doubt  but  that  she  would  also  be  able  to  ' '  wash  her 
own  baby  "  and  "  dine  with  the  family,"  on  even  as  substantial  a  dish  as 
pork  a^  beans. 

PuERPEUAL  Fever. 

Child-bed  fever  is  a  very  fatal  disease,  and  frequently  follows  jiarturi- 
tion.  Scrofulous  women  are  peculiarly  liable  to  it.  The  disease  mani- 
fests itself  in  every  degree  of  intensity.  The  usual  symptoms  are 
weight  and  soreness  in  the  lower  part  of  the  abdomen,  accompanied  by 
lassitude  and  debility,  capricious  appetite,  imperfect  after-discharge, 
spongy  condition  of  the  gums,  constipation,  and  scanty  and  high-color- 
ed urine.  These  symptoms  continue  for  two  or  three  days  after  delivery, 
when  the  patient  will  be  seized  with  chills  and  rigors.  These  are  soon 
followed  by  a  hot  and  pungent  skin,  pain  in  the  head,  nausea,  and 
sometimes  vomiting.  The  jmlse  becomes  hard  and  quick,  respiration 
rapid,  the  secretions  are  arrested,  and  the  pain  centres  in  the  lower  part 
of  the  abdomen  and  becomes  very  severe.  The  bowels  are  bloated,  and 
very  tender,  and  the  lochia  or  after-discharge  is  entirely  suppressed.  In 
many  cases  delirium  is  present,  also  agitation  and  a  sense  of  impending 
death.  The  worst  form  is  when  it  presents  the  appearance  of  malignant 
scarlet  fever. 

Treatment.— The  bowels  should  be  freely  opened  with  a  purgative, 


368  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

after  which  opium  should  be  administered  in  tolerably  large  doses. 
Warm  slippery-elm  emulsions  should  be  frequently  injected  into  the 
vagina,  with  a  view  to  bring  on  the  lochial  discharge.  The  fever  is  to 
be  controlled  by  aconite  or  veratrum.  Tonic  stimulants  and  carmina- 
tives should  be  used,  according  as  the  disease  shows  excitement  or  de- 
pressiou.  In  the  low  form,  quinine  and  camphor  are  indicated.  In  the 
gangrenous  form,  put  charcoal  and  yeast  poultices  to  the  abdomen,  and 
give  a  decoction  of  wild  indigo  in  wine  and  yeast  four  or  five  times  a  day. 

Inversion  op  the  Uterus. 

This  may  be  partial  or  comi^lete.  When  partial,  it  may  be  known  by 
the  absence  of  the  fundus  or  top  of  the  womb  behind  the  pubic  bones, 
and  the  presence  of  a  large  solid  tumor  in  the  vagina,  accompanied  by 
profuse  hemorrhage,  intense  pain  in  the  pelvis,  violent  straining,  vomit- 
ing, fainting,  cold  clammy  sweat,  and  feeble  pul.se.  Complete  inversion 
is  recognized  by  the  presence  of  a  reddish  li\ad  tumor  filling  the  vagina, 
and  protruding  beyond  it.  It  may  occur  spontaneously  in  atony  of  the 
womb,  or  from  irregular  contractions,  or  it  may  be  cavtsed  -by  violence 
in  extracting  the  after-birth,  shortness  of  the  cord,  delivery  in  the  up- 
right position,  tumors,  etc.  '^ 

TREATiiENT. — Watch  the  tumor  carefidly,  and  at  the  moment  when 
there  is  no  contraction,  the  fundus  should  be  pressed  with  one  finger, 
and  indented  like  the  bottom  of  a  bottle,  and  make  continued  pressure 
until  reposition  is  sure.  Then  control  the  hemorrhage,  if  any  is  present, 
with  ice  to  the  pelvis,  or  vinegar  injections,  and  give  stiuiulanjU  if  the 
patient  is  exhausted.  • 

AIJORTION   OR   MISCARRIAGE. 

Abortion  or  mi'scirriarre  signifies  the  expulsion  of  the  foetus  from  the 
uterus,  before  it  is  sufficiently  developed.  The  causes  may  be  either 
natural  or  violent.  Among  the  most  prevalent  causes,  are  mercury, 
constitutional  syphilis,  either  in  the  father  or  mother,  small  pox,  sudden 
and  violent  excitement  of  the  blood-vessels  by  surprise,  fright,  anger, 
etc.  It  may  also  be  caused  by  disease  of  the  embryo,  disease  of  the 
afterbirth,  or  direct  violence  to  the  abdomen.  If  it  occurs  Lq  the  early 
stage,  the  patient  feels  languid,  iinea.sy  and  despondent,  and  is  troubled 
with  alternate  chills  and  flashes  of  heat;  there  is  nausea,  palpitation, 
pain  in  the  back,  and  tendemes.s  over  the  abdomen.  The  breasts 
become  flabby,  and  there  is  more  or  less  hemorrhage.  In  the  more 
advanced  stages,  the  pains  are  more  severe,  and  frequently  the  hemor- 
rhage is  so  violent  that  the  life  of  the  patient  is  endangered,  unless  the 
proper  remediid  agents  are  employed.  If  miscai'riage  occurs  once,  it  is 
liable  to  recurrence,  and  hence  pregnant  women  should  be  very  careful. 

Tkkatuent. — Those  predisposed  to  abortion,  should  carefully  avoid 


THE    COMPLETE    IIERHALIST.  3G9 

purgatives  and  diuretics,  should  indulge  in  no  violent  exercise,  and  take 
a  cold  sitz-bath  every  morning  on  rising,  followed  by  brisk  friction  with 
a  crash  towel.  Unicorn  root  and  bayberry  should  also  be  taken  inter- 
nally. The  pain  should  be  subdued  by  hyoscyamus,  and  the  hemor- 
rhage checked  by  the  oil  of  erigeron,  or  cayenne  pepper  and  matico 
may  be  taken.  If  abortion,  however,  defies  treatment,  a  strong  de- 
coction of  cotton  root,  or  ergot,  should  be  taken  to  promote  rapid 
expulsion  of  the  fcetu.?.  After  it  is  expelled,  if  hemorrhage  occurs, 
the  oil  of  erigeron  should  be  given,  and  much  care  observed,  until  the 
lilacenta  is  removed.  During  convalescence  the  patient's  strength 
should  be  maintained  to  prevent  weakness  of  the  womb. 

Inflammation  and  Abscess  op  the  Breasts. 

During  and  after  pregnancy  the  breasts  are  very  liable  to  become 
mtlamed  and  sore.  The  patient  shivers,  has  paiu  in  the  head,  loss 
of  appetite,  is  constipated,  and  her  urine  is  high-colored,  and  pulse 
quick.  The  breasts  become  red,  painful,  and  swollen,  and  if  the  in- 
flammation is  allowed  to  continue,  an  abscess  is  formed,  which,  sooner  or 
later,  opens  and  discharges.  Cold  during  nursing,  accumulatiou  of  milk, 
injuries,  diseases  of  the  womb,  scrofula,  etc. ,  are  the  principixl  causes. 

TiiEATMENT. — Subdue  the  inflammation  by  applying  the  following :  — 
Take  arnica  flowers,  3  j.  ;  lobelia  leaves,  3  ss.  ;  hops,  3  ij.  Make  a 
strong  decoction,  and  apply  cloths  wrung  from  it  hot  as  the  patient  can 
bear,  and  repeat  every  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes.  A  small  dose  of 
aconite  may  be  given  internally  to  control  the  fever.  A  mild  purgative 
should  also  be  taken,  and  if  the  patient  is  debilitated,  the  general  tonics 
should  be  exhibited.  If  the  abscess,  however,  will  occur,  it  should  be 
opened,  and  then  poulticed  with  slippery-elm.  For  caked  breasts,  apply 
hot  packs,  and  change  them  frequently,  and  between  each  application 
bathe  the  breasts  with  a  liniment  composed  of  equal  parts  of  lime- 
water,  sweet-oil,  spirits  of  camphor,  and  oil  of  horsemiut. 

Sore  Nipples. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  common  and  troublesome  difficulties  connected 
with  the  breasts,  after  child-birth.  It  is  very  frequently  caused  by  want 
of  cleanliness  on  the  part  of  the  mother  or  child. 

Treatment. — Wash  with  castile  soap  and  warm  water  after  each 
nursing  of  the  child,  and  then  sprinkle  the  nipple  with  very  fine  pow- 
dered hemlock  bark.  Or  make  and  use  the  following  ointment : — Take 
balsam  of  fir,  3  j.  ;  white  wax,  3  ij.  ;  melt  together,  then  add  ten  grains 
each  of  tannin  and  powdered  bayberry.  Apply  this  as  often  as  neces- 
sary, previously  washing  the  breasts.  Cover  the  nipple  with  folds  of 
linen  during  the  intervals  of  nursing.  My  Herbal  Ointment  (page469)j 
is  a  speedy  cure  for  this  painful  affection. 
16*  ^ 


370 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


Relaxation  of  the  Abdominal  Muscles. 

One  of  the  most  frequent  sequels  of  pregnancy  is  a  permanent  relaxa- 
tion of  the  abdominal  muscles,  more  or  less  in  degree.  The  abdomen 
becomes  pendulous,  occasioning  great  inconvenience,  suffering,  and 
often  inducing  malposition  of  the  womb,  and  other  affections. 

The  only  way  to  remedy  this  relaxed  condition  is  by  artificial  support, 
which  is  to  be  kept  lap  until  the  muscles  have  again  attained  their  full 
powers  of  contraction.  Ladies  are  therefore  in  the  habit  of  wearing 
bandages,  though  these  but  inadequately  supply  the  necessary  siipport, 
owing  to  the  difficulty  of  proper  application,  so  as  to  secure  the  equali- 
zation of  pressure,  and  the  stability  of  position,  necessary.  Mechanical 
appliances  should  only  be  used  for  the  puii^ose  of  support.  These  are 
called  abdominal  supporters.  Decidedly  the  best  supporter  is  the  one 
represented  in  the  cut,  an  appliance  so  arranged 
as  to  supply  the  firmest  support  by  means  of 
elastic  springs.  It  gives  no  uneq,suiess  to  the 
wearer  ;  on  the  contrary  it  affords  the  most  com- 
fortable support,  enabling  the  sufferer,' Vho  be- 
fore could  scarcely  walk,  to  do  so  with  the 
utmost  facility,  occasioning  no  pain  or  inconve- 
nience. Supporters  are  absolutely  necessary  in 
all  cases,  as  no  medicinal  treatment  will  overcome 
the  relaxation,  on  account  of  the  constant  suj^er- 
imposed  pressure  of  the  bowels.  These  sup- 
porters should  also  be  worn  in  all  cases  of  uterine 
misplacements,  as  they  afford  the  greatest  relief, 
and  serve  as  an  almost  indispensable  adjunct  to 
the  required  medicinal  treatment. 

Another  supporter,  represented  by  the  ad- 
joining cut,  is  also  a  meritorious  one,  having 
many  excellent  qualities.  It  is  especially  well 
adapted  to  corpulent  females.  Equality 
of  siipport  under  all  circumstances 
is  gained  by  au  elastic  band  in  the 
pad  at  front.  These  supporters  are 
the  result  of  thorough  study  as  to  the 
requirements  of  such  appliances,  and  the 
author  is  convinced  that  they  are  the 
best  articles  for  the  purjiose  designed. 
Their  many  qualities  will  at  once  be  ap- 
parent both  to  the  professional  man  or 
to  the  patient. 
of  the  waist. 


Dr.  O.  PhelpK  Brow-n's  Ab 
dominal  Supporter.  $1 


Abdominal  Supporter.  $3. 
The  measure  required   is  the  size  around  the  lower  part 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  371 

THE  CONDUCT  OF  A  CASE  OF  LABOR. 
This  should  never  be  attempted  except  by  a  physician  or  competent 
midwife,  but,  as  it  may  sometimes  take  place  in  railroad  cars,  in 
voyages,  etc.,  the  duty  may  fall  to  the  lot  of  almost  any  woman  or 
man,  and  hence  it  is  important  that  they  should  know  how  to  proceed. 
These  hints  may  also  be  useful  to  perhaps  many  in  the  backwoods, 
where  the  population  is  scarce,  and  where  the  nearest  doctor  lives  ' '  a 
day's  journey  "  away. 

How  DO  YOU  Know  that  the  Patient  is  in  Labor? 

This  the  mother  frequently  knows  herself,  but  she  may  sometimes 
be  deceived  by  what  are  spurious  pains.  If  she  is  in  labor,  she  will 
have  what  is  called  "  C07ne  and  go  "  pains,  which  at  first  are  moderate  and 
wide  apart,  but  which  finally  become  more  intense  and  succeed  each 
other  at  shorter  intervals.  She  will  describe  those  as  bearing  down 
pains,  and  frequently  they  are  so  severe  as  to  cause  cries  and  gestures, 
the  former  being  of  a  mourning  or  complaining  character,  the  other 
twdsting  and  writhing.  She  will  also  have  a  mucous  discha,rge  from  the 
vagina,  which  is  called  a  ' '  shoic. "  She  will  probably  wish  to  void  her 
urine  often,  and  to  relieve  her  bowels,  which  should  be  encouraged. 
During  this  stage  the  mouth  of  the  womb  is  dilating.  Now  it  will  be 
weU  for  you  to  pass  your  finger  well  up  into  the  vagina,  and  you  will 
most  probably  find  that  the  mouth  of  the  womb  is  dilated,  and  in  extent  it 
depends  upon  the  time  at  which  you  may  make  the  examination.  When 
the  pains  become  "  thick  and  fast,"  you  may  again  make  an  examina- 
tion, and  you  will  probably  find  a  fluctuating  tumor,  which  is  the  bag 
of  waters.  If  this  does  not  burst  itself,  you  may  rupture  it  with  your 
finger,  but  do  not  allow  yourself  to  be  frightened  at  the  forcible  rush  of 
the  waters.  If  you  have  withdrawn  your  hand,  you  may  again  insert  it, 
and  you  will  most  likely  find  the  head  about  descending  into  the  vagina. 
If  it  is  the  head  or  breech  it  will  be  a  natural  labor  (which  I  hope  it 
may  always  bo,  for  I  do  not  believe  I  could  teach  you  how  to  proceed  in 
what  is  called  a  jireternatural  labor).  If  the  head  is  there,  all  right. 
You  may  give  the  soon-to-be-mother  your  hand,  or  you  may  tie  a  sheet 
to  the  bed-post  and  let  her  pu.ll  at  that,  or  if  her  husband  is  present,  or 
if  you  are  he  himself,  let  her  press  him  around  the  neck  whenever  an 
expulsive  pain  occurs.  This  wdll  greatly  aid  her,  and  you  do  not  know 
how  thankful  a  woman  is  in  such  a  case,  when  she  observes  apparent 
assistance  on  your  part.  After  a  few  good  pains,  the  head  of  the  child 
will  be  born,  and  then  the  worst  is  over,  for  usually  one  pain  more  will 
cause  the  birth  of  the  whole  child. 

What  will,  You  do  Next  ? 

As  soon  as  it  is  bom,  you  will  probably  hear  the  child  gasp  and  cry, 


Ol-  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

which  is  caused  by  pain  ensuing  upon  sudden  expansion  of  its  lungs.  If 
it  does  not  do  this,  take  the  child,  and  shake  it  gently,  give  it  a  few  slaps 
on  the  buttocks,  and  empty  its  mouth  of  any  secretions  that  may  be 
found  there.  By  doing  this,  the  child  may  soon  cry — when  it  is  all 
right.  If,  however,  it  should  not  be  so  easily  resuscitated,  sprinkle  a 
little  water  on  its  face,  and  if  it  looks  blue  in  the  face,  cut  the  cord, 
and  let  it  bleed  a  little  ;  then  put  your  mouth  to  that  of  the  baby,  and 
while  holding  its  nose  shut,  blow  your  own  breath  into  it  and  fill  its 
lungs,  and  then  press  gently  on  its  chest,  in  imitation  of  expiration.  Do 
this  as  long  as  there  is  any  hope,  and  your  efforts  may  often  be  crowned 
with  success.  We  will  suppose,  however,  that  the  baby  is  a  struggling, 
ciying,  healthy  darling.  Then,  as  soon  as  you  do  no  longer  feel  the  cord 
pulsate,  you  can  separate  it  from  the  mother.  To  do  this  take  a  few 
Btrands  of  thread  and  tie  it  round  the  cord,  not  so  tight  as  to  cut 
through,  about  two  inches  away  from  the  navel.  Then  take  a  pair  of 
scissors  and  cut  the  cord  through  about  half  an  inch  away  from  the  li- 
gature, not  on  the  side,  however,  towards  the  navel ;  you  can  put  two 
ligatures  on  the  cord,  if  you  like,  and  cut  between  thenx  Then  take 
the  baby  away,  but  be  careful  how  you  do  it,  or  else  an  accideirf  may  be- 
fall you,  and  hand  it  to  the  proper  person  to  be  washed  and  ':dressed. 
The  baby  is  very  slippery,  so  take  it  up  in  this  way :  put  its  neck 
between  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  your  left  hand,  and  put  the 
palm  of  the  right  under  its  buttocks  ;  you  then  have  it  secure,  but 
do  not  be  too  anxious  about  its  safety,  or  you  might  choke  it. 

What  Next  ? 

You  must  now  pay  attention  to  the  exhausted  but  joyous  mother, 
rejoiced  that  she  has  passed  such  an  agony  of  pain  as  you  can  form  no 
conception  of,  such  that  you  have  never  felt  and  never  can  feel,  unless 
you  have  been  or  will  be  a  mother,  and  yet  she  will  now  greet  you  with 
a  sweet,  smiling  countenance.  Her  anxiety,  however,  is  not  over  until 
she  is  relieved  of  the  after-birth.  By  the  time  that  you  have  got 
through  with  your  duty  to  the  baby,  you  will  probably  find  the  after- 
birth expelled  into  the  vagina,  by  the  after-pains.  If  such  is  the  case, 
take  the  cord  and  pull  gently  downwards  and  a  little  upwards,  but  by 
no  means  pull  so  hard  as  to  tear  the  cord,  or  invert  the  womb  If  it 
will  not  come,  wait,  and  in  a  short  time  try  again,  and  you  will  most 
probably  find  it  to  come  away  readDy.  If  you  should  find  her  floodhiff, 
take  a  rag,  saturate  it  with  vinegar,  or  take  a  lemon,  divest  it  of  its 
rind,  and  then  pass  it  into  the  womb  and  squeeze  it.  This  causes  con- 
traction of  the  organ,  and  stop.s  the  hemorrhage.  You  may  also  apply 
ice  to  the  spine  for  this  puqio.se,  and  if  you  have  ergot  in  the  house, 
give  a  pretty  large  do.so  of  that.  After  delivery  of  the  after-birth, 
take  a  towel,  and  pass  it  around  the  pelvis  of  the  mother,  and  bind  it 


THE    COMPLETE    IIEliBALIST.  373 

pretty  tig-htly ;  cover  her  up  warmly,  and  allow  her  to  sleep,  and  so 
recover  strength,  as  you  may  suppose  that  she  is  very  much  exhausted 
by  this  time. 

Tour  Work  is  not  Done  Yet. 

The  baby  has  to  be  washed.  This  is  a  tedious  job,  unless  you  know 
low  to  proceed.  All  babies  are  covered  with  more  or  less  unctuouv 
matter,  and  this  chould  be  removed,  or  else  it  is  liable  to  get  a  skin 
disease.  After  you  have  got  your  rag  (a  soft  woollen  one  is  the  best) 
and  some  pretty  warm  water,  smear  the  child  over  with  pure,  lard  or 
sweet  oil,  and  then  use  castile  soap  and  water,  and  you  will  soon  have  it 
clean.  Be  careful,  however,  not  to  get  soap  into  its  eyes,  or  else  you 
will  have  to  treat  it  in  a  few  days  after  for  sore  eyes.  Now  you  have 
got  it  clean,  but  you  must  not  put  on  its  clothes,  until  you  have  dressed 
the  navel,  and  put  on  its  belly-band.  To  dress  the  navel,  take  a  well- 
worn  cotton  rag,  cut  it  into  patches  of  about  four  inches  in  diameter  j 
take  three  or  four  of  these  and  cut  a  hole  through  the  middle  of  them. 
Cut  also  a  little  bandage,  half  an  inch  wide,  and  wrap  it  round  the  navel 
string,  then  slip  it  through  the  patches,  and  lay  the  string  pointing  to- 
wards the  left  shoulder.  Now,  put  on  the  woollen  belly-band,  moder- 
ately tight,  and  secure  it  with  needle  and  thread,  not  with  pins.  You 
may  think  this  caution  unnecessary,  but  if  you  had  seen  as  many  torn 
limbs  and  deep  scratches  in  infants  as  I  have,  you  would  not  think  so. 
After  this  you  can  put  on  its  whole  toilet,  and  lay  it  in  its  proper  warm 
nest — its  mother's  arms. 

But  you  may  think  the  baby  is  hungry,  and  that  it  needs  some  physic  ; 
so  you  give  it  some  gruel,  and  follow  this  up  either  with  castor  oil  and 
sugar,  molasses,  or  butter  and  sugar  made  into  a  paste,  and  force  them 
down  the  little  victim's  throat.  I  say  victim,  because  you  could  not 
easily  do  more  harm,  and  yet  this  abomination  is  done  every  day.  If 
the  mother  has  mUk,  put  it  at  the  breast  as  soon  as  you  can ;  if  not,  let 
it  wait  until  she  has, — it  won't  starve.  It  needs  no  purgative,  for  the 
colostrum  or  lirst  of  the  mUk  is  by  nature  designed  as  a  laxative,  and  if 
it  gets  that,  it  will  soon  have  the  black  stools,  or  discharge  of  meconium, 
as  doctors  call  it.  By  no  means  give  it  soothing  syiaips  nor  spirits, 
nor  put  a  cap  on  it,  or  wash  it  with  spirits.  If  you  take  n\j  advice  in 
this  matter,  the  baby  will  be  the  better  for  it,  and  there  will  not  be  a 
necessity,  which  is  so  often  the  case,  of  the  early  exchange  of  its  little 
dresses  for  a  tiny  shroud. 

In  about  twelve  hours  after  delivery  the  mother  may  be  cleansed,  and 
her  bed  changed,  and  light  food  given  to  her.  She  should  remain  in  bed 
for  at  least  ten  days,  after  which,  if  she  feels  strong,  she  may  sit  m^, 
but  should  avoid  exertion.  If  she  has  insufficient  milk,  foUow  advice 
given  on  page  328. 


374 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


LocniA. 
For  some  time  after  child -bearing,  a  discharge  takes  place  from  the 
womb  which  is  called  lochia.  It  is  at  first  red ;  but  if  all  goes  well,  in  a 
few  days  the  red  appearance  subsides  and  gives  place  to  an  effusion  of 
a  greenish  color  and  a  peculiar  odor.  When  the  womb  is  reduced  to  its 
original  size,  the  lochia  ceases.  If  it  is  checked  before  it  should  be— 
and  in  some  women  it  ought  to  continue  a  month — or  if  the  flow  pro- 
ceeds with  irregularity,  great  distress  and  danger  are  the  consequences. 
The  immoderate  flow  of  the  lochia  is  not  so  disastrous  as  the  suppression. 
The  latter  may  be  produced  by  cold,  by  chilled  drink,  by  mental  excite- 
ment, or,  in  fact,  by  any  undue  exertion  of  either  mind  or  body.  The 
results  of  the  suppression  of  the  lochia  are  great  fever,  restlessness, 
heat,  pain  in  the  head,  back,  and  loins,  delirium,  inflammation  of  the 
womb,  colic  pains,  costiveness,  nervous  excitability,  muscular  contrac- 
tions, and,  in  fact,  general  distress.  The  first  and  only  thing  to  be  done 
is  to  restore  the  flow.  For  this  purpose,  if  the  patient  can  bear  it,  the 
warm  bath  must  be  used;  fomentations  should  be  a^lie(^  to  the 
abdomen  ;  large  emollient  injections  should  be  given  in  the  rectum,  and 
siidorific  medicines  (not  of  a  mineral  character),  assisted  bjii  copious 
diluent  drinks,  should  be  administered.  The  acetate  of  ammonia  will 
be  found  very  useful.  A  profuse  and  general  perspiration  is  the  pre- 
cursor of  rapid  recovery  and  safety.  While  the  lochia  is  apparent  the 
patient  must  not  endeavor  to  get  up,  or  to  undergo  any  noticeable 
degree  of  exertion,  or  be  exposed  either  to  atmospherical  changes,  or 
imijrudeuce  in  diet. 


THE  TREATMENT  IN  ACCIDENTS. 

The  treatment  of  fractures,  dislocations,  etc.,  should  always  be  in- 
tiTisted  to  the  surgeon,  but  the  emergency  of  such  cases  may  be  so 
great  in  certain  instances  that  a  few  minutes'  delay  might  prove  fatal  to 
the  patient.  Hence  I  will  attempt  to  instruct  the  reader  how  to  proceed 
and  what  to  do  before  the  doctor  comes.  In  all  cases  where  surgical  help 
can  be  procured,  it  should  be  done  as  quicldy  as  possible,  but  dangerous 
accidents  may  occur  where  surgical  aid  is  impossible  to  procure,  and, 
therefore,  the  treatment  devolves  upon  others. 

Wounds. 
In  case  of  wood-choppers,  hunters,  etc.,  away  in  the  backwoods,  or  in 
any  other  case  where  this  precaution  is  necessarj',  they  should  provide 
themselves  always  with  bandages,  Monsel's  solution,  and  a  roll  of  ad- 
hesive i)lastur,  and  then  they  are  prepared  for  nearly  all  cases  of  acci- 
dents that  may  befall  them. 


THE    COMrLETE    HERBALIST,  375 

The  worst  feature  about  a  wound  is  the  bleediug,  unless,  as  in  case  of 
gun-shot  wound,  a  xital  part  is  injured.  We  will  suppose,  however,  that 
unfortunately  one  received  a  woiind,  either  from  sonae  sharp  instru- 
ment, or  a  gun-shot  wound,  or  some  part  of  his  body  was  lacerated, 
contused  or  punctured  from  some  cause,  and  that  the  wound  was  bleed- 
ing freely.  Before  the  wound  is  dressed  the  character  of  the  bleeding 
is  to  be  noticed.  If  the  blood  is  dark-colored  and  flows  regularly  in  a 
stream,  it  is  venous  blood,  and  you  will  be  able  to  control  it  easily  ;  but 
if  it  is  bright-scarlet,  and  spurts  out  in  jets,  some  artery  has  been 
wounded — always  a  dangerous  accident.  If  the  wound  is  a  gun-shot  one 
and  received  in  the  trunk,  all  you  can  do  on  the  moment  is  to  herme- 
ticaUy  seal  the  wound.  Take  the  adhesive  plaster,  and  cut  a  piece  from 
it  large  enough  to  cover  the  wound  well,  and  then  apply  over  the  wound 
so  as  to  seal  it  effectually  against  escape  of  blood  or  entrance  of  air ;  or 
take  a  rag  and  shape  it  in  a  pledget,  and  tie  it  on  the  wound  firmly  with 
a  bandage  or  handkerchief.  If  internal  hemorrhage  occurs,  you  cannot 
do  anything,  and  the  i^atient  will  probably  die. 

If  the  wound  is  in  the  arms  or  legs,  then  you  can  always  do  something. 
If  the  bleeding  is  venous,  you  will  be  able  to  arrest  it  by  applying  cold 
water.  Elevate  the  limb,  and  use  compression.  If  this  does  not  arrest 
It,  apply  some  of  the  Monsel's  Solution,  which  is  a  solution  of  the  per- 
sulphate of  iron,  which  quickly  stanches  the  blood  by  coagulation. 
After  the  hemorrhage  has  ceased,  apply  a  bandage.  If  the  blood  comes 
out  in  jets,  you  may  know  that  an  artery  is  wounded,  and  that  no  time 
is  to  be  lost.  No  styptics  will  arrest  hemorrhage  from  any  important 
artery,  but  in  such  cases  instantly  apply  the  Spanish  windlass,  which  is 
made  by  tying  a  handkerchief  around  the  limb,  and  twisting  it  with  a 
stick,  until  the  hemorrhage  ceases.  This  compression  is  to  be  main- 
tained, until  the  patient  can  have  the  attention  of  a  surgeon.  Be  careful, 
however,  to  apply  the  windlass  above  the  wound  towards  the  heart. 

If  you  have  to  deal  with  any  ordinary  wound,  cut,  etc.,  draw  the 
edges  together  with  strijis  of  adhesive  plaster,  and  put  on  cold  water 
dressings. 

Fractures. 

These  accidents  often  happen  where  no  surgical  aid  can  be  con- 
veniently procured.  Any  one  can  easily  detect  a  broken  bone  by  the 
person  not  being  able  to  raise  the  limb,  by  its  bending  where  it  ought 
not,  by  pain,  and  by  crepitation,  or  crackling  sound  if  the  parts  are 
moved.  When  the  bone  is  merely  separated  into  two  parts  it  is  called  a 
simple  fracture  ;  when  an  open  wound  communicates  with  the  fracture 
it  is  called  compound  ;  when  the  bone  is  broken  into  numerous  fragments, 
it  is  termed  comminuted,  and  comjdicated  when  attended  with  dislocation, 
laceration  of  large  vessels,  etc. 


376  the  complete  herbalist. 

Head. 

The  bones  of  the  head  and  face  are  liable  to  be  broken  by  blows,  falls, 
etc. ,  and  need  immediate  medical  attendance.  All  you  can  do  before  the 
arrival  of  the  surgeon,  is  to  raise  the  head,  apply  cold  water,  avoid  all 
noise  and  excitement,  and  arrest  the  bleeding  by  the  means  heretofore 
advised. 

Collar  tone. 

This  bone  Ls  usually  broken  by  violence  upon  the  shoulder,  arm,  and 
hand.  It  is  generally  broken  near  the  middle  of  the  bone,  the  part  is 
painful  and  swollen,  and  every  attempt  at  motion  proGuces  pain  ;  the 
shoulder  is  sunken  and  drawn  towards  the  breast-bone.  The  patient 
usually  is  found  supporting  the  arm  with  his  hand,  to  relieve  the  pressure 
upon  the  sensitive  network  of  nei-ves  in  the  armpit. 

Tkeat.ment. — Push  the  shoulder  backwards,  and  press  on  the  seat  of 
fracture,  until  you  get  it  in  its  place.  Then  make  a  wedge-shaped  pad, 
and  put  it  in  the  armpit  and  secure  it  there  by  a  bandage,  which  sur- 
rounds the  chest.  Then  bring  the  elbow  to  the  side,  and  platee  tl^e  fore- 
arm in  a  sling ;  then  take  bandages,  and  secure  the  whole  arm  so  tight- 
ly in  that  position  that  it  cannot  be  moved.  The  surgeon  may  tjien  be 
called,  or,  if  the  above  advice  is  properly  and  effectually  obeyed,  the 
ciu"e  will  be  a  good  one. 

Broken  Ribs. 

This  is  knoM-n  by  pain  when  the  patient  breathes,  or  on  pressure 
where  the  injury  has  taken  place.  Crepitation  is  also  felt  when  the 
hand  is  placed  over  the  part  during  respkatiou  or  coughing,  and  if  the 
pleura  is  injured,  the  chest  swells,  or  emphysema  appears. 

Treatment. — If  the  broken  ends  project,  apply  a  compress  over  it ; 
if  there  is  a  depression,  a  compress  is  to  be  placed  at  each  extremity. 
If  there  is  a  bruise,  apply  hot  fomentations  ;  then  take  a  bandage  six  or 
eight  inches  wide,  and  draw  it  tightly  around  the  chest  over  the  injured 
part.  This  gives  gi-eat  relief,  as  it  prevents  exp;xnsion  of  the  chest  in 
respiration,  and  holds  the  broken  ends  in  opposition.  Keeping  this  band- 
age firmly  applied  is  all  that  need  be  done  in  the  way  of  treatment. 

Fracture  op  tue  Humerus. 

This  is  the  bone  between  the  elbow  and  shoulder.  It  may  be  detect- 
ed by  the  ordinary  methods. 

TjtKATMKNT. — Plac.c  the  bones  in  ajiposition,  making  sure  that  it  is 
right,  l)y  comparing  it  with  the  sound  arm.  Then  take  four  splints,  and 
put  one  in  front,  one  behind,  and  one  on  each  side  of  the  arm.  Secure 
these  with  a  bandage.  This  dressing  will  do,  until  better  attention  can 
be  given  to  iL  by  a  coni})eteut  doctor.     Place  the  arm  in  a  sling. 


the  complete  herbalist.  377 

Fkacture  op  the  Bones  of  the  Forearm. 

There  are  two  bones  here,  the  radius  and  ulna.  They  may  both  be 
fractured,  or  only  one  of  them.     The  fracture  is  easily  detected. 

Tre.vtment. The  difficiilty  here  is  to  observe  the  space  between  the 

bones,  which  is  called  the  interosseous  space.  The  fracture  is  readUy 
reduced  by  drawing  the  arm  forwards,  and  when  this  is  done,  press  the 
muscles  into  the  interosseous  space.  Now,  take  two  splints,  well  pad- 
ded on  the  inside,  reaching  from  the  elbow  beyond  the  fingers,  put  one 
on  the  inside  and  the  other  on  the  outside  of  the  forearm,  and  secure 
them  with  a  bandage.     The  arm  should  be  carried  in  a  sling. 

Fracture  of  the  Bones  in  the  Hand,  Foot,  or  Ankle. 

These  solid  bones  are  almost  always  wounded  by  such  accidents  that 
tend  to  crush  them,  as  machinery,  threshing  machines,  heavy  weights 
falling  on  them,  etc. 

Treatment. — Dress  the  open  wound  as  any  other,  then  cover  the  whole 
hand  in  several  folds  of  rag,  or  handkerchief,  dipped  in  cold  water. 

Fracture  at  the  Hip-Joint. 

This  is  a  very  serious  accident,  and  liable  to  occur  in  aged  people. 
One  that  receives  this  injury  cannot  stand  or  rise  from  the  ground.  If 
the  patient  is  placed  upright  the  injm-ed  limb  will  be  found  much 
shorter  than  the  other,  and  the  foot  turned  outwards.  What  is  called 
osseous  union  rarely  if  ever  occurs  in  this  fracture. 

Treatment. — In  old  persons  support  the  limb  by  pillows  and  re- 
strain all  motion.  This  is  all  you  can  do.  In  other  cases,  make  two 
splints,  one  reaching  from  the  arm-pit  to  about  six  inches  longer  than 
the  foot,  the  other  from  between  the  legs,  extending  to  the  same 
length.  Pad  these  well,  especially  at  the  upper  ends.  Apply  them 
to  the  inner  and  outer  side  of  the  leg  and  secure  them  with  a  bandage. 
Now  make  a  foot-board  with  two  mortised  holes  in  it,  through  which 
the  splints  can  pass.  Bore  holes  in  the  lower  ends  of  the  splints  every 
half  inch.  Put  on  the  foot-board,  and  attach  the  foot  to  it  firmly, 
then  pull  the  foot-board  down  so  as  to  stretch  the  leg  well,  for  this 
secures  what  is  called  extension,  which  is  necessary  in  these  oases.  The 
splints  resting  against  the  arm -pit  and  perinaium  aiiords  what  is  called 
counter-extension.     See  in  all  cases  that  you  have  the  leg  straight. 

Fracture  of  the  Tiiigii-Bone. 
Fracture  of  the  shaft  of  this  bone  is  easily  recognized  by  shortening, 
crepitation,  etc.,  and  you  should  treat  it  just  the  same  as  advised  in  the 
fracture  of  thi-i  bone  at  the  hip-joint.  If  this  fracture  should  occur 
away  from  home,  in  the  fields  or  elsewhere,  get  some  stiff  straw, 
or   bits  of   very  thin  board,   or  if  you  have  a   "stove-pipe"  hat  take 


378  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

that,  knock  out  the  crown,  take  off  the  rim,  and  split  it  up  at  the 
sides.  Bind  these  around  the  limb  rather  tightly  with  suspenders, 
handkerchiefs,  or  tear  your  shirt  up  for  bandages.  Then  you  can  safely  re- 
move the  patient  to  a  place  where  he  may  receive  the  proper  treatment. 

Fkacture  op  the  Cap  of  the  Knee  or  Patella. 

This  may  be  broken  by  muscular  contractions  or  direct  violence. 
Falling  on  the  knee  very  frequently  produces  it.  There  is  no  crepita- 
tion felt  in  this  fracture.  The  pain  is  not  very  severe,  but  the  Umb  is 
partially  bent,  and  the  patient  has  no  power  to  extend  it. 

TRE.A.TMENT. — Keep  dowTi  the  swelling  with  lotions,  etc.,  and  then, 
by  means  of  strips  of  adhesive  plaster,  draw  the  fragments  together  and 
retain  them  iirmly  in  that  position.  Prevent  motion  by  putting  a  long 
splint  on  the  back  of  the  leg. 

Fracture  of  the  Leg. 

There  are  two  bones  below  the  knee,  the  tibia  and  fibula,  and  a  frac- 
ture, occui-ring  in  one  or  both  of  them  from  a  fall  or  direct- violence,  is 
a  frequent  accident,  the  tibia  being  most  frequently  broken.  I'he  signs 
are  evident.     Crepitation,  pain,   want  of  motion,  etc. ,  declare  \% 

Treatment. — When  both  bones  are  broken,  or  wheu  the  fibula 
alone,  or  when  the  upper  part  of  the  fibula  is  fractured,  the  best  and 
most  simple  apparatus  is  the  fracture-box  and  pUlow.  Make  a  box 
considerably  wider  than  the  leg,  with  only  one  end  board,  and  that 
considerably  higher  than  the  sides  of  the  box — the  box  has  no  lid.  Put 
a  pillow,  or  little  bags  of  chaff  or  bran  in  this ;  put  the  broken  leg 
into  this ;  see  that  it  fits  well ;  then  secure  the  foot  to  the  foot-board, 
so  as  to  prevent  lateral  inclination. 

The  gi-eat  object  in  the  treatment  of  fractures  is  to  keep  the  broken 
ends  well  together,  or  in  apposition,  and  keep  them  there.  Nature 
will  do  the  heaUng  part.  In  bandaging  limbs,  be  careful  that  you  get 
them  smoothly  on  the  parts,  and  make  allowances  for  the  swelling 
which  occurs.  If  a  bandage  is  formed  too  tight,  it  should  be  removed, 
or  else  mortification  of  the  limb  will  ensue. 

DISLOCATIONS. 

The  signs  of  limbs  being  out  of  joint  are  deformity,  swelling,  and  a 
hollow  where  none  should  be,  shortening  or  elongation,  pain  and  immo- 
bility of  the  limb. 

Broken  Neck,  or  Back. 

This  is  neajly  always  .accompanied  by  a  fracture.  It  may  be  produced 
by  couvulhioiis,  falls,  hanging,  etc.     The  chances  of  life  are  small,  on 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  379 

account  of  injuiy  done  to  the  spinal  marrow,  or  the  action  of  the  dia- 
phragm may  be  suspended  by  comiDression  of  the  phrenic  nerve. 

Treatment. — Lay  the  person  (if  in  the  neck)  on  his  back,  plant 
your  knees  on  the  patient's  shoulders,  grasp  the  head  firmly,  pull  gently, 
and  at  the  same  time  put  the  head  into  its  proper  place  ;  but  this  must  be 
properly  and  gently  done,  or  else  you  may  do  great  harm.  If  in  the 
back,  do  nothing. 

Dislocation  of  the  Jaw. 

This  is  often  caused  by  yawning,  by  convulsions,  or  by  blows  on  thai 
chin,  when  the  mouth  is  wide  open.  The  mouth  gapes  and  cannot  bet 
shut,  the  saliva  trickles,  there  is  great  pain,  and  the  patient  cannot  talk. 

Treatment.  — Seat  the  patient  on  a  low  stool,  stand  in  front  of  him, 
and  then  press  your  thumbs  ui3on  the  last  molar  or  grinding  teeth  very 
firmly.  Be  careful,  however,  to  have  your  thumbs  well  protected  with 
wrappings,  or  else  you  may  be  severely  bitten.  By  doing  this  you  get 
the  articular  ends  of  the  jaw-bone  from  their  unnatural  position,  and  re- 
duction is  caused  by  the  normal  action  of  the  muscles.  When  you  hear 
the  snap,  you  may  be  sure  that  the  bone  is  in  its  proper  position.  After 
reduction,  the  chin  should  be  confined  by  a  bandage  for  a  week  or  ten 
days. 

Dislocation  at  the  Shoulder. 

This  may  be  displaced  in  three  directions,  viz.  :  inwards,  downwards 
and  backwards.  By  comparing  the  injured  with  "the  sound  shoulder, 
you  may  be  able  to  tell  that  it  is  a  dislocation.  Where  the  head  of  the 
bone  ought  to  be,  you  will  find  a  depression,  and  you  will  most  likely 
find  a  tumor,  near  the  breast,  in  the  ann-pit,  or  towards  the  back, 
according  to  the  manner  of  dislocation. 

Treatment. — Lay  the  person  on  his  back,  and  sit  down  beside  him 
on  the  injured  side,  and  put  a  round  pad  in  the  arm-pit.  Then  take  oflE 
your  boot,  put  your  foot  against  the  pad,  grasp  the  patient's  arm,  or  tie 
a  towel  to  it,  put  it  around  your  neck,  and  pull  in  that  way.  Then 
while  you  pull  at  the  arm  and  push  with  your  foot,  tell  the  patient  to 
turn  round,  or  you  may  carry  the  arm  across  his  chest.  WTiile  this  is 
done,  a  snap  will  be  heard,  and  the  bone  is  in  its  proper  place. 

Dislocations  at  the  Elbow. 

When  both  radius  and  ulna  are  dislocated,  the  forearm  is  bent  nearly 
at  a  right  angle,  and  is  immovable.  When  the  ulna  alone  is  dislocated, 
there  is  a  tumor  projecting  posteriorly,  the  elbow  is  bent  at  right  angles, 
and  the  forearm  is  turned  upwards.  The  radius  is  dislocated  at  the 
elbow  either  forwards  or  backwards.  When  backwards  the  head  of  the 
bone  forms  a  prominence  behind,  the  arm  is  bent  and  the  hand  prone. 


380  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

When  forwards  there  is  a  distinct  prominence  in  front,   the  arm   ia 
slightly  bent,  and  the  hand  supine. 

Treatment. — When  both  bones  are  dislocated,  or  in  case  the  ulna  ia 
alone  out  of  joint,  make  forcible  extension  of  the  forearm  over  your 
knee,  placed  at  the  elbow,  to  make  counter-extension.  Then  bend  the 
forearm  while  making-  extension,  and  reduction  will  take  place.  In 
forward  dislocation  of  the  radius  make  forcible  extension,  and  while 
doing  so,  turn  the  hand  from  without  inwards,  called  pronation.  In 
backward  dislocation  make  forcible  extension,  and  turn  the  hand  from 
within  outward,  or  supination.  In  either  case  you  should  press  the 
head  of  the  bone  into  proper  position  with  your  thumb.  Then  advise 
^est,  cold  applications,  and  a  sling. 

Dislocations  at  the  Wkist. 

The  luxation  of  both  bones  of  the  forearm  from  the  bones  of  the  hand 
is  rare.  AVhen  it  occurs  forward  there  is  a  great  i)rojection  in  front,  and 
the  hand  is  bent  backwards  ;  when  backwards,  the  projection  is  behind, 
and  the  hand  is  flexed.  If  the  radius  alone  is  dislocated  the  Tiand  wiU 
be  somewhat  twisted.  If  the  ulna  is  dislocated,  it  may  be  easily  ;;lecog- 
nized  by  a  projection  on  the  back  of  the  wrist.  * 

Tkeatment. — The  reduction  of  both  bones  is  effected  by  making 
extension  and  pressure.  If  either  of  the  bones  are  dislocated,  the  re- 
duction is  performed  in  the  same  manner.  Pain,  swelling,  and  stiffness 
of  the  joint  may  follow,  which  should  be  ob\aated  by  cold  applications, 
rest,  lotions,  etc. ,  and  a  light  splint  may  be  applied  to  prevent  its  re- 
currence. 

Dislocation  op  the  Bones  op  the  Hand. 

Displacement  of  the  bones  of  the  carpus  or  body  of  the  hand  rarely 
occurs.  The  bones  of  the  fingers  are  occasionally  dislocated,  but  more 
frequently  the  thumb  is  dislocated  backwards. 

Treatment. — Make  extension  in  a  curved  line,  by  means  of  a  nar- 
row bandage  or  tape,  firmly  applied  by  a  close-hitch  upon  the  finger. 

Dislocation  of  the  Uibs. 

Dislocation  of  the  ribs  from  the  spinal  column  may  sometimes  occur 
by  severe  falls,  or  blows  upon  the  back,  and  from  the  breast  bone,  by 
violent  bending  of  the  body  backwards.  Great  pain  and  difficulty  of 
breathing  follow  in  either  case. 

Treat.ment. — Tell  the  patient  to  take  a  deep  inspiration,  and  slightly 
bend  the  body  backwardis,  and  while  he  does  tliis,  make  some  pressure 
on  the  projecting  point.  After  reduction  treat  the  same  as  for  broken 
ribs. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  381 

Dislocation  at  the  Hip. 

In  this  case  the  leg  is  shortened  and  the  foot  is  tnmed  inwards.  It 
may  be  dislocated  in  five  different  ways ;  — upwards  and  backwards  is, 
however,  the  most  common  dislocation.  In  all  cases  you  may  Icnow  that 
displacement  has  occurred,  by  comparison  with  the  articulated  limb. 

Treatment.  — The  accident  is  so  serious  that  no  attempt  should  be 
made  at  reduction,  except  by  a  surgeon,  but  if  it  happens  when  no  such 
aid  can  be  procured,  you  may  proceed  as  in  dislocation  of  the  shoulder. 
If  you  cannot  make  sufficient  extension  in  that  way,  you  may  attach  pul- 
leys to  a  towel  fastened  above  the  knee,  and  make  counter-extension  by 
means  of  a  folded  sheet  in  the  perinceum.  After  full  extension  is  accom- 
plished, push  the  head  into  the  socket,  or  so  manipulate  the  leg  that  its 
movements  will  force  reduction.  After  reduction,  the  patient  should  be 
kept  at  rest,  and  walking  should  not  be  attempted  for  several  weeks. 

Dislocation  of  the  Knee-cap. 

This  may  be  dislocated  in  various  directions.  It  is  characterized  by 
the  leg  being  stretched,  and  a  prominence  formed  by  the  patella  in  an 
abnormal  situation. 

Treatment. — Eaise  the  patient's  leg  and  rest  it  upon  your  shoulder. 
While  in  this  iDOsition,  force  the  bone  into  its  place  with  the  hand. 

Dislocation  at  the  Ankle. 

This  may  be  forwards,  backwards,  inwards  and  outwards,  and  are  the 
results  of  severe  force.  The  bones'  ends  are  usually  fractured  at  the  same 
time.  It  is  a  very  serious  accident,  and  when  it  occurs  to  patients  whose 
constitutions  are  bad  amputation  may  often  be  necessary. 

Treatment. — Reduction  is  effected  by  bending  at  the  knee,  and 
while  in  that  position,  drawing  the  foot  forwards. 

In  all  cases  of  dislocations  and  fracture  communicating  with  joints,  the 
danger  is  anchylosis  or  stiffness  of  the  joints.  This  is  to  be  obviated  by 
what  is  called  passive  motion,  which  is  to  be  instituted  in  all  cases,  a 
few  weeks  after  the  accident.  It  is  accomplished  by  taking  hold  of  the 
limb  and  moving  it  in  natural  directions,  as  far  as  consistent,  and  repeat- 
ed after  sviitable  intervals.  The  patient  is  to  be  enjoined,  also,  when 
practicable,  to  exercise  Ids  limb  at  the  wounded  articulation.  There 
are  many  other  fractures  and  dislocations  that  I  have  not  spoken  of,  for 
the  reason  that  they  are  all  so  serious  that  the  treatment  should  only 
be  attempted  by  those  having  the  proper  anatomical  knowledge  and  sur- 
gical skill. 


382  THE  COMPLETE  HEKBALIST. 


PREVENTION  OF  EPIDEMIC  DISEASES. 

The  alarming  fatality  consequent  upon  an  epidemic  reign  of  disease 
demands  the  closest  scrutiny  upon  the  part  of  communities,  large  or 
small,  to  guard  against  its  approach  or  prevalence.  Medical  skill  is  un- 
able to  cope  with  the  fearful  onslaught  of  epidemics,  and  in  many  cases 
epidemic  diseases  are  of  so  violent  a  character  that  the  most  vigorous 
constitutions  succumb  to  the  assault,  and  the  profoundest  medical  skill 
and  most  rational  medical  treatment  are  unavailing.  It  is  questionable 
if  medical  science  will  ever  be  able  to  materially  decrease  the  rate  of 
mortality  that  usually  ensues  upon  epidemic  reign ;  the  subtle  ethereal 
poison  causing  epidemics  being  of  too  violent  a  character  to  allow 
ascendency  to  be  gained  by  material  mediciaal  agents.  Since  it  is 
questionable  that  mastery  can  be  gained  by  medicinal  or  therapeutic 
agents,  the  jaroper  remedy  is  suggested,  not  by  investigating  the  best 
agents  of  cure,  but  in  measures  of  prevention,  as  the  author  is  quite  cer- 
tain that  by  proper  knowledge  and  concerted  action  the  spread  of  an 
epidemic  can  be  limited,  and  its  onset  prevented.  Epidemic  diseases 
belong  to  the  class  which  has  been  conveniently  but  inaccurately,,'desig- 
nated  ' '  zymotic. "  They  are  generated,  according  to  the  most  lAodem 
physiological  doctrine,  by  a  specific  poison,  introduced  into  the  body  from 
without,  which  is  capable  of  causing  morbid  changes  in  the  blood,  and 
of  destroying  life.  The  poisons  of  various  epidemic  diseases  are  distinct 
inter  se  ;  the  contagion  of  typhus,  for  instance,  being  altogether  different 
from  that  of  small-pox,  and  the  contagion  of  cholera  from  that  of 
diphtheria,  and  yet  it  is  plain  that  they  are  all  somehow  related,  and 
capable  of  gradual  transmutation  from  one  type  into  another.  Some 
ancient  types  have  died  out — the  black-death,  the  sweating  sickness,  and 
the  plague  ;  but  new  tyi^es,  undescribed  by  the  old  physicians,  have 
arisen.  We  are  able  to  note  remarkable  "waves  of  disease  ;"  atone 
time  the  great  mortality  is  from  typhus,  at  another  from  small-pox,  at 
another  from  scarlatina.  In  England  they  have  recently  had  a  succes- 
sion of  epidemic.  The  outbreak  of  cholera  in  1866  was  followed  by 
typhoid  fever,  and  as,  the  latter  began  to  abate  in  violence,  scarlatina 
appeared  in  the  most  malignant  form,  and  attacked  the  metropolis.  This 
di.sease  had  be^■un  a  year  and  a  half  ago  to  decline  in  London,  but  at 
the  same  time  it  began  to  spread  through  other  parts  of  the  kingdom, 
where  it  has  since  raged  destmctively.  A  little  later  than  the  scarlatina, 
relapsing  fever,  which  has  been  rare  in  these  countries  since  1849,  broke 
out  with  great  severity,  also  attacking  London  first,  and,  when  it  had 
epcnt  its  force  there,  extending  itself  into  the  provincial  towns.  Lastly, 
they  have  been  visited  with  an  ci)idoraic  of  small-pox  more  severe  than 
any  outbreak  of  that  disease  which  has  been  recorded  in  England  during 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  383 

the  present  generation.  And  no  sooner  has  the  small-pox  begun  to 
abate  its  violence  than  they  are  threatened  with  a  return  of  cholera. 
This  periodicity  of  disease  is  yet  to  be  explained  ;  but  it  is  established 
that,  given  the  same  conditions  for  the  reception  and  propagation  of 
contagion,  about  the  same  proportion  of  lives  wUl  be  carried  away, 
whether  the  prevailing  epidemic  be  scarlet  fever  or  typhus,  or  relapsing 
fever  or  small-pox. 

The  blood-poisoning  of  the  zymotic  diseases,  which  is  thus  various  and 
changing  in  type,  is  traceable,  however,  to  the  same  class  of  causes. 
In  some  epidemics  the  germs  of  contagion  are  far  more  volatile  than  in 
others,  but,  in  all,  we  know  by  experience  that,  if  we  can  isolate  the 
patient  and  submit  his  immediate  surroundings  to  disinfectant  agents, 
we  check  the  spread  of  the  disorder. 

Pure  air  and  pure  water  are  irreconcilably  hostile  to  contagious  dis- 
ease. The  first  duty,  therefore,  of  sanitary  administration  is  the  en- 
.  forcement  of  effective  ventilation,  the  supply  of  a  fixed  quantity  of 
fresh  air  to  every  person  in  every  house.  This  is  an  innovation  which 
wHl  of  course  be  resisted  both  by  ignorance  and  self-interest,  but  no  in- 
fraction of  real  liberty  will  be  committed  in  preventing  ignorant  or  self- 
interested  persons  from  doing  mischief  to  the  community  by  sowing  the 
seeds  of  disease  broadcast.  The  next  step  in  the  work  of  prevention  is 
to  insist  upon  a  free  and  well-distributed  system  of  sewers  to  carry  away 
at  once  from  every  habitation  the  impurities  which  poison  the  air,  and 
which,  even  when  they  do  not  directly  propagate  contagion,  insidiously 
weaken  the  constitution  of  those  subjected  to  their  influence  and  prepare 
them  for  the  reception  of  the  germs  of  disease.  Most  country  villages  and 
many  small  towns  are  almost  wholly  destitute  of  systematic  drainage, 
and  cesspools,  which  are  the  commonest  substitutions,  are  merely  traps 
for  infection.  The  enforcement  of  drainage  and  the  abolition  of  cess- 
pools are  reforms  which  experience  has  shown  will  never  be  carried  out 
by  the  local  authorities,  and  is  especially  an  improvement  which 
ought  to  be  and  can  be  carried  by  pressure  from  a  strong  central  ex- 
ecutive ofEce.  A  third  precaution  is  systematic  disinfection,  not  only 
of  everything  connected  with  and  surrounding  a  person  suffering  from 
contagious  disease,  but  of  all  i^laces  where  dirt  unavoidably  accumu- 
lates, and  whence  at  any  time  eflluvium  can  be  perceived  to  proceed. 

These  precautions,  however,  though  valuable  in  themselves,  and  also 
as  tending  to  effect  the  further  object  to  which  we  are  now  able  to 
refer,  are  quite  unavailing  unless  supplemented  by  securities  for  a  pure 
sujjply  of  water.  Cholera,  as  we  have  seen,  is  held  to  be  propagated 
almost  exclusively  through  polluted  water,  and  there  is  scarcely  a  form 
of  epidemic  that  is  not  to  some  extent  disseminated  in  the  same  way. 

We  have  stated  that  it  is  doubtful  if  sanitary  reform  can  ever  bo 
properly  enforced  by  local  authority,  and  hence  advocate  that  its  re- 


384  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST, 

quirement  should  be  insisted  upon  by  national  statutes.  The  health 
of  any  country  is  as  much  a  principle  of  jjolitical  economy  as  its  free- 
dom, and  just  as  worthy,  if  not  more  so,  of  vigilance  ;  and  it  is  to  be 
hoped  that  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  legislators  in  every  land 
will  see  the  absolute  necessity  to  enact  such  laws  rendering  thorough 
disinfection  and  drainage  obligatory  upon  all  its  citizens.  Physicians 
have  long  advocated  so  desirable  a  reform,  and  neglected  no  opportunity 
to  teach  the  people  the  vu'tue  of  and  benefits  to  be  derived  from  disin- 
fection ;  but  the  absence  of  any  epidemic  gives  a  false  sense  of  security, 
and  the  advices  are  unheeded  until  the  deathly  blast  of  the  epidemic  is 
ui)on  them,  when  their  folly  is  exposed  and  the  ^visdom  of  precaution 
established. 

Of  the  disinfectants,  the  following  are  the  best : — Chloride  of  lime, 
Labarraque's  solution,  carbolic  acid,  and  bromo-chloralum.  Chlorine  gas 
is  probably  the  best,  but  not  so  practicable  for  universal  use.  Most  of 
them  are  comparatively  cheap,  and  no  household  should  be  without  a 
sufficient  quantity. 

All  cesspools,  sinks,  etc.,  should  be  thoroughly  disinfected  whenever 
they  become  offensive  and  exhale  noxious  vapors,  and  no  pools  of  stag- 
nant water  or  other  filthy  places  should  be  permitted  to  remain  un- 
drained  for  any  space  of  time.  If  such  a  desirable  reform  could  Mecome 
of  universal  operation,  the  reign  of  epidemics  would  be  over  and  be- 
come things  of  the  past. 


JAPANESE  CORN  FILE. 

This  file  is  the  only  practical  cure  for  corns.     It  should  always  be  used 

instead  of  a  knife.     With  a  little  care  the  corn  can  be  filed  down  to  a 

perfectly  smooth,  level  surface,  which  result  can  never  be  attained  by  the 

use  of  the  knife.     After  the  corn  is  filed  down  smoothly  and  evenly  in 


vL 


every  part,  my  Herbal  Ointment  should  be  applied  night  and  morning. 
The  price  of  the  ointment  is  25  cents  per  pot,  and  two  cents  extra  for 
postage.  It  IS  sold  by  druggists  generally.  The  price  of  the  Corn  File, 
prepaid  by  mail,  is  50  cents.  No  one  afflicted  with  a  corn  will  ever  regret 
the  small  sum  of  money  it  costs. 


THE  COMPLETE   HERBALIST.  385 


TREATMENT  OF  CHRONIC  DISEASES. 

THE  AUTHOR'S  SPECIALTY. 


Important    to    the    Suffering    Sick,    Male    or    Female. 

Chronic  Diseases  are  those  that  have  passed  the  active  or  inflam- 
matory stage.  Strictly  speaking,  a  disease  is  not  curable  until  it  has 
passed  this  stage  and  become  to  a -certain  extent  "  chronic."  The  word 
means  "time,"  and  any  disease  that  has  had  time  to  pass  the  active 
stage,  "chronic."  The  tendency  of  chronic  affections  is  to  recover,  and 
nine  out  of  ten  will  recover  by  proper  attention  to  hygienic  laws  and  the 
right  medicine.  It  would  be  imprudent,  in  case  of  a  severe  attack  of 
illness,  to  trust  recovery  to  nature,  without  availing  ourselves  of  medical 
advice;  without  in  fact  ascertaining  the  proper  remedy,  which  is  surely  to 
be  found  somewhere  in  the  herbal  kingdom.  In  all  cases  of  chronic  dis- 
ease, a  careful  diagnosis  is  absolutely  required,  as  each  case  is  usually 
accompanied  by  a  variety  of  sympathetic  disorders  ;  hence,  it  requires 
the  educated  and  experienced  physician  to  note  the  variations,  detect 
the  complications  and  identify  the  locality  and  extent  of  the  real  dis- 
order. Patient  and  intelligent  investigation  is  absolutely  requisite  in  all 
cases,  as  without  such  a  diagnosis  the  treatment  would  not  be  successful. 

My  specialty  is  the  treatment  of  chi-ouic  disease.  I  very  rarely 
give  advice,  unless  specially  and  urgently  solicited,  with  reference  to 
acute  affections,  and  never  essay  treatment  unless  the  affections  be  of 
specific  or  scrofulous  origin,  as  private  diseases,  acute  phthisis,  etc. 
Aside  from  these  exceptional  cases,  my  professional  attention  and  ser- 
vices are  entirely  absorbed  in  the  treatment  of  chronic  diseases,  and 
these  I  can  justly  claim  to  treat  with  unvarying  success.  This  assertion 
is  certainly  pardonable  when  the  fact  of  my  success  is  attested  by 
thousands  of  former  patients  in  all  parts  of  the  world.  Early  in  my  pro- 
fessional career  it  became  apparent  to  me  that  only  as  a  specialist  can 
any  physician  hope  for  either  competence  or  success.  Aware  of  the  folly 
of  the  attempt  to  become  equally  skillful  in  the  treatment  of  both  acute 
and  chronic  affections,  I  made  chronic  diseases  exclusively  my  study, 
and  devoted  for  many  years  all  the  energies  at  command  in  the  endeavor 
to  acquaint  myself  with  all  the  varied  and  multiform  manifestations.    No 


386  THE  COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

physician,  unless  he  be  a  prodigy  of  science,  can  with  equal  success 
treat  both  acute  and  chronic  affections.  If  he  is  animated  with  the 
principles  of  professional  integrity,  striving  to  gain  absolute  competence, 
he  has  no  time  to  investigate  the  characteristics  of  chronic  diseases, 
should  he  even  have  the  inclination.  The  "family  physician"  deals 
mostly  with  acute  affections  ;  hence  it  is  necessary  to  his  professional 
success  and  reputation  to  devote  his  sole  attention  to  the  study  of  acute 
disorders.  It  is  well  known  that  the  highest  perfection  of  mechanism 
demands  the  division  of  labor  into  special  branches,  and  so  it  is  with  the 
practice  of  medicine — division  into  specialties  secures  greater  intelli- 
gence, competence,  and  success  of  treatment. 

It  is  not  necessary  that  I  should  particnlarlzc  each  disease  for 
which  my  advice  may  be  solicited,  or  for  the  treatment  of  which  my  ser- 
vices may  be  engaged.  I  may  be  consulted  with  reference  to  every  exist- 
ing chronic  disorder,  claiming  the  requisite  ability  to  give  definite  and 
conclusive  advice,  and  provide  treatment  invariably  successful  in  result,  if 
in  my  estimation  the  affection  is  capable  of  cure. 

Chronic  alTections  are  so  numerous  that  the  author  will  allude  to 
the  more  important  only,  and  such  as  are  fearfully  prevalent  ,^nd  de- 
structive. .] 

In  the  female  economy  y\e  meet  with  exceptional  disejfses  not 
observable  in  the  opposite  sex.  She,  too,  by  many  obscure  causes,  may 
sadly  destroy  her  health  and  capacities  of  womanhood,  and  in  which  con- 
dition the  same  vigilance  should  be  exercised,  and  the  same  efficient  and 
reliable  medical  counsellor  should  be  appealed  to.  The  physical  degen- 
eracy is  the  same,  and  special  treatment  no  less  important  than  in  the 
analogous  condition  of  the  male.  Besides  this  sad  affection  she  suffers 
untold  agony  with  what  are  termed  Uterine  Diseases.  Vital  statisticians 
assert  that  there  scarcely  exists  a  female  in  civilized  life  who  does  not 
suffer  with  uterine  disorder  at  some  time  of  her  life,  and  that  as  a  rule 
every  female  is  at  all  times  more  or  less  a  sufferer  from  the  womb  dis- 
ease. "Why  is  woman  thus  fearfully  a  sufferer?  Is  it  altogether  owing 
to  injurious  modes  of  dress,  habits  of  life,  and  other  agencies  ?  Is  it  not 
possible  that  this  prevalence  of  uterine  diseases  is  partially  owing  to  in- 
efficient and  irrational  treatment  ?  If  treatment  were  competent,  this 
load  of  suffering  would  certainly  be  lighter.  These  diseases  have  surely 
no  such  pathological  character  as  to  render  treatment  unavailing,  and 
that  all  that  pliysicians  can  do  is  to  pronounce  them  incurable. 

Proper  inlernal  medication  in  combination  with  proper  hygienic 
observance,  will  effect  a  cure  in  nearly,  if  not  all,  uterine  disorders.  The 
long  continued  suffering,  so  generally  the  history  of  all  uterine  diseases, 
is  due  more  to  harsh  and  inappropriate  treatment  than  to  any  peculiar 
severity  or  stubbornness  in  the  morbid  elements  of  the  affections  them- 


THE  COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  3S7 

selves.  Under  proper  and  skillful  treatment,  Leucorrhoea,  Ulceration, 
Prolapsus,  or  Falling  of  the  Womb,  the  various  misplacements  of  the 
organ,  menstrua]  disorders,  etc.,  yield  kindly,  and  a  cure  is  speedily 
effected  in  all  cases. 

Diseases  aiieeting-  the  rei»ro(lnctive  system  in  the  male  sex 
are  actually  the  gravest  of  all,  and  attended  with  more  sad  results  than 
any  in  the  whole  catalogue  of  human  afflictions.  Their  very  apparent 
mildness  gives  to  them  a  twofold  capacity  for  undermining  the  constitu- 
tion and  destroying  the  integrity  of  the  general  health,  by  imperceptible 
losses  through  the  water  or  fluids  of  the  body.  Patients,  before  writing, 
will  please  save  a  little  of  this  water  in  a  bottle  for  twenty-four  hours. 
Write  me  if  there  is  any  sediment,  of  the  color  and  quantity,  as  it  will 
save  much  loss  of  time.  This  disguised  or  negative  feature  is  always 
associated  with  those  diseases  depending  upon  disorders  of  the  generative 
organs,  many  of  which  are  contracted  by  dissipated  or  vicious  habits  in- 
dulged in  to  a  greater  or  less  extent,  and  patients,  though  long  aware  of 
their  indisposition,  are  not  fully  conscious  of  the  nature  or  seriousness  of 
their  disease  until  health  is  completely  broken,  the  constitution  wrecked, 
and  the  vitality  and  vigor  of  the  nervous  system  utterly  destroyed.  Long 
before  this  one  may  know  that  all  is  not  right,  but  owing  to  a  false  deli- 
cacy, neglect  tc  employ  competent  treatment. 

Sterility  or  Barrenness.  I  can  be  consulted  on  this  siibject  freely 
by  all  the  childless,  and  shall  give  my  candid  opinion  promptly  by  mail, 
as  to  whether  they  can  be  successfully  treated  or  not.  In  nine  cases  out 
ten  all  impediments  can  be  safely  removed  in  a  reasonable  length  of 
time.  Some  of  the  most  frequent  causes  of  barrenness  are,  dysmenor- 
rhoea  (painful  menstruation),  especially  the  congestive  form  of  it  ;  menor- 
rhagia  (profuse  menstruation),  especially  when  it  is  associated  with 
menorrhcea,  or  too  frequently  recurring  periods;  induration  of  the  cervix, 
or  neck  of  the  womb,  and  the  most  frequent  of  all,  relaxation  of  the 
vaginal  walls  to  such  an  extent  that  the  spermatozoa  is  never  retained  at 
all,  but  escapes  from  the  vagina  immediately  after  coition. 

Chronic  Impotenoy  is  one  of  tlie  most  deplorable  conditions 

with  which  mankind  can  possibly  be  be  afflicted. 

Now  my  success  in  the  treatment  of  conditions  of  this  class,  warrants 
me  in  saying  that  it  is  just  as  surely  amenable  to  judicious,  well  directed 
treatment,  in  accordance  with  its  true  pathological  character,  as  any 
other  curable  abnormal  condition  of  the  sexual  organization.  The  great 
reason  wliy  this  disease  has  so  seldom  been  successfully  treated  by  the 
great  mass  of  the  profession  is,  that  its  pathology  has  not  been  properly 
studied  or  investigated,  and  consequently  not  understood. 

The  sacral  plexus  of  nerves  (with  one  branch  from  the  lumbar),  are  the 
nerves  which  supply  the  sexual  organization  with  its  vitality. 


388  THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

The  sensory  nerves  convey  from  the  base  of  the  brain,  or  cerebellum, 
impressions  to  these  nerve  centers,  and  it  is  through  them  that  nature 
asserts  its  power. 

To  explain  a  little  more  minutely  :  ^Vhenever  a  passionate,  lascivious 
thought,  or  sight,  or  impression  in  any  form  occurs,  the  sensory  nerves 
convey  the  impression  to  the  sacral  ganglia,  and  if  this  nerve  center  is 
active  and  vigorous,  natural  results  will  surely  follow  ;  but  if  it  has  be- 
come atonied,  or  if  it  has  lost  its  vitality,  of  course  it  cannot  act  under 
the  impression  conveyed  to  it  by  the  sensory  nerves,  and  this  is  what 
constitutes  Impotency. 

Now,  of  course,  specific  medicines,  or  medicines  which  have  a  direct 
affinity  for,  or  act  as  a  direct  stimulus  to  these  nerves,  are  the  only 
remedies  that  can  be  depended  upon  to  restore  this  lost  vitality.  Such 
remedies  I  claim  to  make  use  of  in  conditions  of  this  class,  and  my  suc- 
cess has  proved  them  to  be  reliable  whenever  my  directions  and  instruc- 
tions have  been  followed,  and  my  treatment  pursued  for  a  reasonable  length 
of  time.  The  specific  action  of  some  remedies  is  too  well  known  to  be 
disputed  :  quinine,  iron,  antiseptics,  and  many  others  belong  to  this  class. 
Now  the  great  majority  of  diseases  we  are  obliged  to  treat  onxgeneral 
principles,  as  specifics  for  all  diseases  have  not  yet  been  discoverM  ;  but 
general  treatment  would  be  of  no  use  \vliatever  in  condition^  of  this 
class  ;  positive,  specific  treatment  is  the  only  available  course,  and  this 
is  what  I  claim  my  treatment  to  be. 

It  is  true,  that  congenital  conditions,  or  malformations,  or  organic 
diseases  of  the  sexual  system,  may  render  some  cases  incurable  by  any 
method  of  treatment,  but  these  cases  are  extremely  rare. 

Sypllilis,  that  terrible  scourge  of  our  large  cities,  is  another  disease 
in  which  the  superiority,  nay,  even  the  absolute  necessity  of  specific 
medication  has  been  clearly  established.  This  formidable  disease  has 
assumed  alarming  proportions  in  our  country,  and  at  this  time  it  cannot 
be  said  to  be  confined  to  our  cities  only  ;  for  plainly,  the  rural  districts 
are  not  exempt  from  the  foul  taint.  It  is  its  constitutional,  secondary 
and  tertiary  forms  that  more  particularly  demand  my  attention,  and  which 
I  am  constantly  treating  with  such  uniform  success.  Were  this  disease 
confined  to  its  primary  stage,  it  would  not  be  the  hydra-headed  monster 
that  it  now  is,  but  unfortunately  its  ravages  are  unlimited  ;  every  tissue 
of  the  body  becomes  involved  in  rapid  succession.  The  throat  becomes 
ulcerated,  rendering  the  breath  intolerably  offensive  ;  next  the  glandular 
system — the  glands  of  the  neck  ;  then  the  cartilaginous  tissues,  especially 
of  the  nose,  which  soon  sinks  upon  a  level  with  the  face,  as  though  it  had 
been  battered  with  a  mallet,  and  finally  the  bones  themselves  become 
spongy,  and  exostoses  super\'enes.  It  would  require  a  large  volume  to 
fully  describe  the  ravages  of  this  disease.     The  number  of  generations 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  3S9 

through  which  it  is  capable  of  propagating  itself  by  hereditary  descent 
is  unknown — probably  unlimited.  My  specific  treatment  for  the  consti- 
tutional, secondary  and  tertiary  forms  of  this  disease,  may  be  relied  upon 
with  positive  certainty  to  eliminate  every  particle  of  this  specific  conta- 
gion from  the  system,  no  matter  of  how  long  standing. 

Clironic  Urinary  Diseases.  This  class  of  diseases  has  become 
alarmingly  prevalent  in  our  country,  especially  among  the  laboring  or 
active  business  men  of  middle  age,  and  those  far  advanced  in  years. 
Diabetes  in  both  its  forms,  albuminuria,  or  Bright's  disease,  ardor 
urinre,  or  irritable  bladder  ;  abnormal  deposits  in  the  urine  ;  and  in  the 
aged,  inability  to  retain  the  urine  ;  with  frequent  desire  to  void  it,  which 
when  voided  flows  in  a  dribbling  manner;  partial  paralysis  of  the  bladder, 
characterized  by  inability  to  evacuate  it  without  considerable  effort, 
accompanied  with  frequent  and  sudden  cessations  of  the  flow  ;  calculous 
or  gravelly  obstructions,  etc. 

I  have  made  these  conditions  a  special  study  for  years,  and  I  can  safely 
affinn  that  there  are  but  few  cases  of  this  class  of  diseases  that  specific 
medication  by  nature's  remedies  will  fail  to  relieve  ;  and  I  know  from 
experience  that  there  is  no  class  of  diseases  in  which  the  superiority  of 
specific  vegetable  medicine  i«  more  clearly  manifested  than  in  chronic 
urinary  difficulties  of  every  form  and  type.  I  have  hundreds  of  testi- 
monials in  my  possession,  conclusively  establishing  this  fact. 

Catarrll.  This  formidable  disease  is  located,  primarily,  in  the 
pituitary  membrane  which  lines  the  nasal  fossa,  and  extends  to  the 
different  cavities  communicating  with  the  nose.  It  is  composed  of  two 
layers  :  one  fibrous,  which  is  attached  to  the  bones  ;  the  other,  free  and 
secretory — the  seat  of  smell.  This  membrane  lines  all  the  sinuses  of  the 
maxillary,  frontal  and  ethmoidal  bones,  and  its  mucous  surface  is  the 
primary  seat  of  the  catarrhal  inflammation,  but  the  fibrous  portion  is 
soon  involved,  and  then  the  discharge  becomes  pustular  and  fetid,  while 
all  the  bones  to  which  this  fibrous  portion  of  the  membrane  is  attached 
become  affected,  and  caries,  or  slow  destruction  of  the  osseous  tissues 
supervenes  ;  the  breath  becomes  intolerable,  and  sooner  or  later  all  the 
air  passages  to  and  within  the  lungs  become  involved,  so  you  can  readily 
see  how  extensive  a  disease  catarrh  is,  and  how  preposterous  the  idea  that  a 
little  of  somebody's  snuff  will  remove  the  specific  inflammation  from  all  these 
tortuous  winding  air-passages,  which  are  so  extensive  as  to  make  the 
patient  who  is  badly  afilicted  with  this  disease,  feel  as  though  his  whole 
face  was  fairly  rotten  with  it.  Both  local  and  general  treatment  of  a 
specific  character  must  positively  be  resorted  to,  to  remove  the  septic  in- 
flammation, and  restore  all  the  tissues  to  a  normal  condition. 

Specific  local  treatment,  by  means  of  my  Nasal  Douche  Apparatus, 
and  the  exhibition  of  general  remedies,  which  through  the  circulation  and 


390  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

absorbent  vessels  act  as  specifics  to  inflamed  mucous  membranes,  is 
positively  the  only  reliable  treatment  for  this  distressing  malady. 

My  supreme  coiilideHce  in  Iho  healing  virtues  of  herbal  medi- 
cines was  gained  only  by  observing  their  superiority,  and  not  born  of 
prejudice  or  antipathy  ;  for  in  the  first  few  years  devoted  to  the  study  of 
medicine,  I  was  taught  as  others  are,  to  regard  the  employment  of 
mineral  agents  as  right  and  advisable.  Experience  only  gave  me  better 
knowledge  and  fuller  understanding,  and  at  the  present  time,  should  the 
privilege  of  employing  the  medicinal  properties  of  plants  be  taken  away 
from  me,  leaving  me  but  the  inert  and  harmful  minerals,  my  professional 
knowledge  would  avail  me  nothing,  and  I  would  stand  in  the  presence 
of  disease  with  fettered  hands,  helpless  as  a  child,  and  absolutely  without 
power  to  mitigate  or  relieve  a  single  pain  or  symptom. 

I  think  I  can  truthfully  say  that  no  physician  at  the  present  time 
is  treating  so  many  chronic  cases  as  myself.  I  have  for  twenty  years 
advertised  very  largely  in  all  the  leading  newspapers  of  the  country.  I 
print  upwards  of  three  million  Shakespearian  Almanacs  annually  for 
gratuitous  distribution.  There  has  been  450,000  "Complete^Herbalists" 
sold  within  the  last  twelve  years.  As  I  have  said  before,  my  specialty 
has  been  chronic  diseases.  ^ 

TllOllsaiuls  are  led  to  consult  me  and  my  associate  physicians  for 
relief,  which,  owing  to  our  large  experience  in  a  certain  class  of  complaints, 
we  can  guarantee  to  cure  in  almost  every  case.  I  advertise  my  family 
medicines  through  the  druggists,  and  sell  them  largely — the  sales  amount- 
ing to  nearly  half  a  million  yearly.  I  am  obliged  to  have  assocciate 
physicians  to  assist  me,  owing  to  my  business  being  so  large. 

All  invalids  write  us  unhesitatingly  just  as  they  feel  in  special  cases — 
thus  giving  us  a  perfect  description  of  their  cases,  which  enables  us  to  be 
more  successful  than  we  otherwise  could  be. 

Afflicted  persons  desirous  of  gaining  my  advice  should  give  a  plain 
statement  of  their  afflictions  ;  when  contracted,  the  present  symptoms, 
etc. — in  fact,  everything  should  be  made  known  to  me  precisely  as  would 
occur  by  personal  interview.  The  following  questions  are  intended  to 
assist  invalids  in  properly  presenting  their  cases.  Answers  to  all  the 
questions  are  not  necessary. 

QUESTIONS  FOR  REFERENCE. 

Dcfigned  for  those  who  -wish  to  Consult  mc  unth  a  view  to  Treatment. 

A..  What  is  your  age  ?  If  known,  what  is  your  temperament  ?  Did 
you  arrive  at  the  age  of  puberty  without  having  had  any  serious  illness, 
or  sufficiently  so  to  injure  your  constitution  ? 

B.  Arc  you  afflicted  with  any  chronic  form  of  eruptive  diseases  ?  If 
so,  what  are  its  characteristics  ?     Is  it  scaly  or  jiapular  (pimples),  or  pus- 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  391 

tular)  secreting  pus  ?  If  papular,  is  it  attended  with  any  secretion  in 
the  pimples  ?  If  so,  is  the  secretion  watery  ?  If  pustular,  do  scabs 
form  ?  Do  the  scabs  drop  off  and  new  ones  form  immediately,  or  do  the 
pustules  heal  ?     What  Is  the  color  of  these  ? 

C.  Is  there  any  hereditary  disease  in  your  family,  recent  or  remote  ? 

D.  Are  you  very  nervous  ?  if  so,  can  you  assign  any  cause  for  it  ? 
Have  you  overtaxed  yourself  with  study,  or  with  mental  or  physical  ex- 
ertion of  any  kind  ?  Have  you  any  mental  trouble  ?  Is  your  memory  or 
capacity  for  mental  pursuits  impaired  ?  Is  your  sleep  disturbed  by 
frightful  dreams,  or  dreams  of  any  kind  ?  If  your  business  through  the 
day  has  been  perplexing,  is  your  sleep  disturbed  and  unrefreshing  in 
consequence  of  it  ? 

E.  Have  you  any  congenital  diseases  or  condition  of  any  kind  ?  that 
is,  any  diseased  or  abnormal  condition  with  which  you  have  been 
afflicted  from  birth  ? 

F.  Have  you  always  been  temperate  in  your  habits  ?  Do  you  in- 
dulge or  have  you  indulged  in  the  use  of  spirituous  liquors  of  any  kind 
to  excess,  or  of  opium  in  any  form,  or  tobacco  ? 

G-.  Are  you  subject  to  severe  attacks  of  headache,  or  do  you  fre- 
quently have  a  dull,  heavy,  oppressed  feeling  in  the  head  ?  If  you  have 
either,  at  what  part  of  the  head  is  the  pain  most  severe,  or  what  part  of 
the  head  is  most  liable  to  attacks  of  pain  ?  Are  you  troubled  with 
dizziness  of  the  head,  ringing  noises  in  the  ears,  or  specks  before  the 
eyes  ? 

H.  Have  you  a  disagreeable  taste  in  the  mouth,  especially  in  the 
morning  ?  Are  the  gums  healthy,  or  are  they  becoming  absorbed,  leav- 
ing the  teeth  long  and  naked  ?  If  the  latter,  do  you  know  whether  it  is 
the  result  of  the  use  of  mercury,  or  of  vitiated  secretions  ?  Is  the  tongue 
coated  ?     Are  its  tip  and  edges  very  red  ? 

I  Do  you  have  any  disease  of  the  throat  ?  Are  the  tonsils  very 
liable  to  become  inflamed  and  enlarged,  causing  diflicult  deglutition  ? 
and  are  you  especially  liable  during  cold  weather  to  contract  what  is 
calle'd  a  sore  throat  ? 

J,  Are  you  afflicted  with  a  chronic  cough  ?  if  so,  for  what  length  of 
time  have  you  been  troubled  with  it  ?  At  what  time  of  the  day  do  you 
cough  most  ?  Is  coughing  attended  with  pain  in  any  part  of  the  chest  ? 
if  so,  what  part  ?  Does  it  cause  pain  in  any  part  of  the  chest  to  inhale 
a  full  breath  ?  Have  you  constant  pain  in  any  part  of  the  chest  ?  Is  it 
increased  by  coughing,  and  is  it  always  confined  to  one  locality  ?  Do 
you  expectorate  much  ?  What  is  the  character  of  the  expectoration  ?  Is 
it  thick  and  adherent,  or  is  it  of  a  mucous  character  ?  Does  it  sink  in 
w^ter  ?     Do  you  have  turns  of  perspiring  freely  at  night  ?       Do  your  feet 


392 


THE  COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 


and  ankles  swell  ?  and  is  the  swelling  edematous  ?— that  is,  does  it  pit 
on  the  removal  of  pressure  of  the  thumb  ? 

K.  Do  you  have  any  pains  or  fluttering  sensations  about  the  heart  ? 
if  so,  are  they  constant,  or  do  they  come  and  go  at  intervals  ?  Do  you 
have  palpitation,  attended  with  difficulty  of  breathing?  if  so,  is  it  con- 
stant or  at  intervals  ?     If  at  intervals,  of  what  length  of  time  generally  ? 

L.  Is  your  appetite  and  digestion  good  ?  Are  you  troubled  with 
collections  of  wind  in  the  stomach  ?  Does  food  distress  you  ?  if  so, 
what  kind  of  food  distresses  you  most  ?  Does  a  meat  diet  give  you  more 
pain  than  a  farinaceous  one  ?  Do  very  hot  or  very  cold  drinks  give  you 
pain  in  the  stomach  ?  Are  you  constipated  ?  and  are  you  troubled  with 
piles. 

M.  Have  you  any  pain  or  weakness  in  the  lower  part  of  your  back  ? 
Is  the  voiding  of  urine  attended  with  pain  or  smarting?  Are  you 
obliged  to  void  it  more  frequently  than  is  natural  ?  and  is  it  normal  in 
quantity  ?  Does  the  urine  deposit  a  sediment  ?  if  so,  what  is  the  char- 
acter of  it  ? 

N.  Do  you  have  any  rheumatic  or  neuralgic  pains  in  any  p\irt  of 
your  body  ?  .,  Are  any  of  the  tendons  of  the  extremities  contracted  9  Are 
you  troubled- with  cramps  in  the  lower  extremities  M-hen  in  bed  ? 

O.  If  a  male,  have  you  injured  yourself  by  excesses  of  any  kind, 
recent  or  remote.      Have  you  now,  or  have  you  had  varicocele  ? 

It  is  not  necessary  for  me  to  insert  here  questions  which  the  patient 
will  readily  see  are  inadmissable  for  a  work  of  this  kind,  but  which  are, 
nevertheless,  of  great  importance  ;  and  he  can  forestall  me  in  this  mat- 
ter by  giving  me  all  the  information  in  relation  to  his  condition  that  will 
occur  to  him  as  being  necessary  to  aid  me  in  forming  a  correct  opinion — 
the  only  sure  guide  to  correct  and  successful  treatment. 

P.  If  a  female,  are  you  afflicted  with  uterine  derangement  in  any 
form — prolapsus,  leucorrhoea,  ulceration,  etc.?  Have  you  passed  the 
climacteric  period?  if  not,  is  menstruation  regular,  and  normal  in 
quantity  and  quality  ?     Is  it  ever  attended  with  severe  pain  ? 

Any  intelligent  female  will  readily  see  the  absolute  necessity  that' ex- 
ists for  an  unreserved  history  of  her  case,  and  a  plain  statement  of  the 
causes  which  have  led  her  to  consult  me  with  a  view  to  obtaining  relief. 

No  false  modesty  should  deter  any  from  making  known  their  exact 
condition,  so  that  I  may  be  enabled  to  fully  understand  the  pathology  of 
the  case,  and  to  prescribe  just  what  is  required  to  effect  the  most  speedy 
and  decisive  results.  It  is  not  nocessary  l>y  any  moans  that  answers 
to  all  those  qnestions  1)0  g-iven.  The  most  prominent  features  of  the 
case  are  all  that  I  rccpiire.  It  is  frequently  the  case  that  ladies,  in  de- 
describing  their  condition,    give  great  ijrominencc  to   unimportant  or 


THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST.  303 

merely  sympathetic  symptoms — slight  neuralgic  pains  in  various  parts, 
headache,  nervousness,  restlessness,  and  transient  or  migratory  pains — 
and  entirely  negrect  to  say  anything  about  the  one  great  cause  of  all 
these  unpleasant  and  sometimes  most  distressing  symptoms — uterine  de- 
rangement, or  an  abnormal  condition  in  some  form  of  the  sexual  organ- 
ization. No  important  organ  of  the  body  is  more  intimately  connected 
with  the  whole  sympathetic  nervous  system,  or  exercises  a  greater  in- 
fluence over  the  other  important  organs,  stomach,  liver,  lungs  and  head, 
and  particularly  the  nerve  centers,  than  the  uterus  ;  and  when  I  am 
told  that  a  lady  is  suffering  from  uterine  derangement  in  any  form,  I 
know  that  she  is  also  suffering  from  many  unpleasant,  if  not  distressing 
sympathetic  symptoms.  I  do  not  wish  to  be  considered  egotistical  at  all, 
but  after  a  long  and  extensive  experience,  I  can  positively  affirm,  that  if 
there  is  any  particular  class  of  diseases  in  the  treatment  of  which  my 
greatest  successes  have  been  achieved,  it  is  in  the  treatment  of  diseases 
incident  to  females,  which  have  become  so  prevalent  in  our  country,  and 
which  I  contend  are,  as  a  general  thing,  treated  irrationally,  and  without 
any  claim  to  success.  While,  perhaps,  one  has  been  benefitted  by  the 
harsh  heroic  treatment  so  extensively  practiced  by  every  medical  Tyro 
at  the  present  time,  hundreds  have  been  seriously  and  permanently  in- 
jured. My  unusual  success  in  the  treatment  of  diseases  of  this  class 
ought  to  be  sufficient  evidence  of  their  curability  by  a  more  rational  and 
entirely  harmless  method  of  treatment. 

Remittances  should  be  made  in  Tost-Office  Money  Orders,  pay- 
able at  Jersey  City,  N,  J.,  wherever  there  is  a  Money-Order  Office, 
which  is  now  almost  universal,  there  being  only  a  few  exceptions. 
Where  these  exceptions  do  exist,  register  the  letter  containing 
money.  Either  of  these  modes  is  perfectly  safe,  the  Postmaster 
always  giving  you  a  receipt  for  the  money.  No  Medicines  sent  C.  O. 
D.,  unless  half  the  money  is  sent  in  advance.  The  express  business  has 
reached  such  perfection  within  the  last  few  years,  that  I  can  almost 
guarantee  a  DAILY  DELIVERY  to  every  hamlet  in  the  United  States. 

All  letters  will  l)e  treated  as  strictly  private  and  confidential. 
Invalids  on  a  visit  to  New  York  may  call  on  me  wlienever  convenient. 
Office  hours,  from  lo  A.  M.  to  4  P.  M. 

Address  Dr.  0.  Plielps  Browil,  No.  21  Grand  Street,  Jersey 
City,  N.  J. 

17* 


394  Tiii:  (joy.vLzz-E  herbalist. 


PART  III. 


THE  PHILOSOPHY  OF  THE  SEXES. 

Admitting  the  delicacy  of  the  subject,  it  is,  however,  eminently  with- 
in the  province  of  the  medical  writer  to  teach  the  scientific  bearings  of 
the  marital  prerogative  of  the  sexes,  inasmuch  as  health,  as  well  as  civil- 
ization, is  greatly  dependent  upon  the  purity  of  that  relation.  While  I 
condemn  such  literature  which  is  elementarily  and  purposely  suggestive, 
I  have  but  little  sympathy  with  that  prudish  modesty  which  is  outraged 
by  everything  appertaining  to  the  special  characteristics  of  sex.  The 
author  shall,  in  the  consideration  of  the  subject,  not  attempt  to  offend 
healthy  conservatism,  yet,  at  the  same  time,  the  subject  is  too  import- 
ant to  discuss  it  with  undue  reserve  or  by  unintelligent  circumlocution. 
The  essays  are  not  written  to  gratify  immoral  curiosity,  but  to  edify 
those  who  wish  to  learn  and  be  governed  by  the  correct  principled  of  the 
philosophy  appertaining  to  the  marital  union  of  the  sexes.  Andsas  this 
work  is  specially  intended  to  educate  the  popular,  and  not  the  profes- 
sional mind,  it  is  proper  and  quite  consonant  with  every  moral  considera- 
tion, that  it  should  contain  such  general  knowledge  as  ail  should  know 
for  proper  guidance  in  matters  pertaining  to  the  organs  of  reproduction. 

It  is  quite  important  for  all  to  know  the  anatomy  of  the  genitalia  of 
both  sexes.  I  shall,  therefore,  prepare  this  special  part  of  this  work  with 
the  anatomy  of  the  organs  of  both  sexes. 

Anatomy  of  the  Male  Oroans. 

These  consist  of  the  organ  itself,  seminal  vesicles,  prostate  gland, 
testes  and  scrotum. 

The  male  organ  convej's  the  urine  from  the  bladder,  and  the  seminal 
sections  from  the  seminal  vesicles.  Its  anterior  extremity  is  called  the 
f/lanfi,  and  its  posterior  extremity  is  the  root ;  the  intervening  part,  the 
body,  which  consists  of  two  structures,  the  corpus  cnvei'iiosum,  or  caver- 
nous body,and  the  covjnts  spongiosum^  or  spongy  body.  The  skin  is  thin 
and  delicate,  studded  with  numerous  sebaceous  follicles.  Surrounding 
the  glans  is  a  loose  doubling  of  skin  called  the  prepiice,  which  is  connect- 
ed (k)  the  mouth  of  the  urethra  by  a  process  called  the  frrvamn.  The 
thick  rim  or  edge  around  the  base  of  the  glans  is  the  crown,  or  corona 
glondis,  behind  which  the  organ  is  narrow,  and  this  portion  is  known  as 
the  neck  or  collum.  The  caseous  secretion  found  here  is  Icnowu  as  smeg- 
ma, which  is  the  product  of  the  gkiials  of  'J'ljS'jii,  numerous  about  the 
neck  and  crown. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  395 

The  cavernous  body  foi-ms  tlie  largest  part  of  the  organ  and  in  shape 
is  a  double  cylinder.  At  the  root  these  cylinders  are  separate  and 
pointed,  and  called  the  crura  of  the  penis.  Each  of  these  is  firmly  at- 
tached to  the  branches  of  the  pubes  and  ischium, — bones  of  the  pelvis. 
The  cavernous  body  has  a  thick,  elastic,  fibrous  coating  externally  ;  in- 
ternally it  consists  of  a  spongy  structure  made  up  of  cells,  or  little 
caverns,  which  readily  communicate  with  the  arteries  and  veins.  Those 
arteries  that  terminate  in  blind  tufts  are  called  helicine.  The  cylinders 
are  partially  separated  from  each  other  by  a  partition  whose  fibres  re- 
semble the  teeth  of  a  comb,  whence  the  name  se^ytum  j^ccUniforme. 

The  corjms  sjwngiosiim  has  the  same  fibrous  covering  as  the  cavernous 
body,  and  is  also  composed  of  cells,  but  which  are  larger  than  those  of 
the  cavernous  body.  Its  relative  position  to  the  corpus  cavernosum  is 
about  the  same  as  a  ramrod  to  a  double-barrelled  gun.  Posteriorly  it 
enlarges  into  what  is  called  the  bulb^  lying  between  the  crura  of  the 
organ.    Anteriorly  it  forms  the  glans. 

The  urethra,  or  urinary  canal  from  the  bladder,  perforates  the  spongy 
body.     Its  mouth  at  the  glans  is  called  meatus  urinarius. 

The  seminal  vesicles  consist  of  two  convoluted  tubes  placed  at  the 
posterior  and  inferior  portion  of  the  bladder.  They  are  oblong  in  shape, 
about  two  inches  in  length.  They  act  as  a  receptacle  for  the  semen. 
When  secreted  by  the  testicles,  the  semen  is  conveyed  by  a  tube,  called 
the  Vds  deferens,  into  these  vesicles,  where  it  is  mixed  with  a  little 
mucus,  and  retained  until  discharged. 

The  pre/state  gland  is  a  dense  hard  structure,  about  the  size  of  a  horse- 
chestnut,  surrounding  the  neck  of  the  bladder,  at  the  commencement 
of  the  urethra.  It  is  perforated  by  the  urethra,  and  also  by  the  ductus 
ejaculatorius,  which  is  formed  by  the  junction  of  the  vas  deferens  and 
the  seminal  duct.  The  semen  is  further  liquefied  by  the  secretion  of 
the  prostate,  in  its  passage  through  the  gland.  It  also  discharges  a  thick 
and  white  secretion  into  the  urethra.  In  front  of  the  prostate  are  two 
glands  ( Coicpefs),  about  the  size  of  a  pea,  which  also  discharge  a  mu- 
cous secretion  into  the  urethra. 

The  scrotum  is  the  bag-like  covering  for  the  testicles.  Its  skin  is 
loose  and  thin,  and  of  a  dark  color.  The  transverse  wrinkles  which 
cold  produces  are  due  to  a  dense,  reddish,  contractile  structure,  in- 
timately connected  with  the  skin,  and  called  the  dartos.  The  scrotum 
has  a  muscular  covering,  next  to  the  dartos;  its  internal  covering  ia 
called  the  tunica  vaginalis. 

The  teMes  or  testicles  are  the  glands  for  the  secretion  of  semen.  They 
are  two  in  number,  oval  in  shape,  and  flattened  laterally.  They  are 
suspended  by  the  spermatic  cord.  Each  testicle  is  formed  by  lobules, 
consisting  of  a  fine  tube,  very  finely  convoluted,  which,  if  finely  dis- 
sected and   unravelled,  is  many  feet  in  length.     The  ejyididi/mis  is  a 


396  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

vermiform  appendage  encircling  the  posterior  edge  of  the  testicle,  as  a 
crest  upon  a  helmet. 

The  spennntic  cord  consists  of  an  artery  and  vein,  and  nerves,  together 
with  the  vas  deferens. 

The  erectile  tinsue  of  the  organ  consists  essentially  of  intricate  net- 
works of  veins,  which  communicate  freely  with  each  other,  presenting 
a  cellular  appearance. 

These  features  constitute  what  is  termed  the  regional  anatomy  of  the 
organs — the  minute  aututomy  being  much  more  complex.  The  physio- 
logical functions  of  the  male  organs  of  generation  are  various,  and  in- 
asmuch as  they  are  associated  very  intimately  with  one  of  the  most 
important  of  human  passions,  which  if  not  properly  controlled  by  the 
dictates  of  the  moral  sense,  are  exceedingly  liable  to  derangement. 
Anything  tending  to  cause  a  departure  from  a  healthy  or  normal  stand- 
ard of  action  of  these  physiological  functions,  will  assiiredly  induce  a 
faulty  condition  of  the  organs  themselves,  besides  impairing  the  integ- 
rity of  the  g-eneral  health.  Those  interested  in  this  subject  may  turn 
to  page  350,  and  read  the  article  on  "  Debility  or  Loss  of  Vitality."  No 
one  should  be  neglectful  in  this  respect,  but  strenously  endea,vor  by 
correct  habits  of  life  to  maintain  the  physiological  functions  jjn  full 
purity,  vigor  and  integrity  of  action. 

The  Semen. 

This  is  a  secretion  formed  by  the  testes,  which  anatomically  we  hava 
seen  are  composed  of  lobules  formed  of  convoluted  seminiferous  tubes. 
The  number  of  lobules  is  about  450  in  each  testis,  and  that  of  tubules 
about  840.  It  is  apparent,  then,  that  each  testis  presents  a  vast  extent 
of  surface  for  the  secretion  of  the  spermatic  tluid.  The  testes  originate 
in  the  lower  part  of  what  is  called  the  Woolfian  bodies  in  the  embryo, 
while  the  kidneys  spring  from  the  upper  part.  They  do  not  descend 
into  the  scrotum  untd  about  the  ninth  month,  and  sometimes  one  or 
both  remain  in  the  abdomen,  without,  however,  interfering  with  theit 
function. 

The  semen  is  a  thick,  tenacious,  grayi.sh  fluid,  having  a  peculiar  odor 
called  iipcrmatic,  probably  dejicndent  on  the  secretions  mixed  with  it. 
The  semen  as  ejected  is  not  the  same  as  secreted  by  the  testes,  as  it 
receives,  in  its  passage  out,  the  addition  of  the  liquefying  secretions  of 
the  prostate  and  Cowper's  glands.  It  is  alkaline  in.  reaction,  and  con- 
tains albumen  and  a  j)ccidiar  principle  called  spcnnatin.  It  also  con- 
tains sperinatfizouhi^  vary  small  bodies  with  a  tail-like  process  to  them. 
They  were  formerly  regarded  as  animalcules,  but  now  known  to  possess 
no  independent  organic  life.  As  viewed  under  the  microscope  they  are 
seen  Ooating  lively  around  the  spermatic  liquor  ;  this  is,  mo.st  probably, 
due  to  ciliary  vibrations.  The  semen  also  contains  other  minute,  gran- 
ular bodies,  called  seminal  yraiiules.     These,  in  conjunction  with  tho 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST,  397 

Bpermatozoids,  constitute  the  formative  agents  furnished  by  the  male 
in  generation.  They  are  supposed  to  corresi^ond  with  the  pollen  tubes 
of  plants.  The  vermicular  motion  of  the  spermatozoids  evidently  aids 
the  passage  of  the  semen,  after  its  injection  into  the  womb,  to  the 
ovaries  of  the  female,  and  if  they  there  meet  the  female  elements  of 
generation  an  ovule  becomes  impregnated,  and  pregnacy  is  the  result. 
The  semen  is  a  very  vital  element,  and  is  only  secreted  in  proportion  to 
the  vigor  of  the  male.  It  contains  chlorides  and  phosphates,  hence  its 
waste  preys  upon  the  nervous  tissue  for  its  supply  of  phosphorus.  The 
secretion  takes  place  about  the  fourteenth  or  fifteenth  year,  and  con- 
tinues till  about  sixty  or  sixty-five,  and  during  the  whole  of  this  time  is 
much  under  the  influence  of  the  nervous  system.  Its  presence  in  the 
Beminal  vesicles  is  required  for  the  proper  accomplishment  of  the  virile 
act,  and  it  is  a  well  known  physiological  fact  that  full  procreative 
quality  is  only  gained  after  it  has  been  for  some  time  lodged  in  the 
vesicles.  The  involuntary  expcnditi;re  of  this  vital  fluid  is  therefore 
not  only  detrimental  to  the  general  health,  but  also  seriously  destruc- 
tive of  procreative  capacity. 

Anatomy  of  the  Femalk  Organs. 

The  organs  of  generation  in  the  female  are  generally  divided  into  the 
external  and  internal.  The  external  consist  of  the  mons  veneris,  labia 
externa,  clitoris,  nymiilice,  vestibule,  meatus  unnarius,  hymen  in  virgins, 
and  carunculm  myrtiformes  in  matrons.  The  internal  are  the  vagina, 
uterus,  and  the  uterine  appendages,  the  latter  consisting  of  the  broad 
and  round  ligaments,  ovaries,  and  Fallojjian  tubes. 

The  mons  veneris  is  placed  at  the  lower  part  of  the  abdomen,  and 
consists  of  dense  fibro-cellular  and  fatty  tissues,  and  is  covered  in  the 
adult  with  hair.  The  anatomical  provision  of  this  particular  covering 
in  combination  with  the  fatty  texture  is  to  prevent  chafing  and  pressure 
upon  sensitive  nerves  at  certain  jieriods. 

The  labia  externa,  or  outer  lips,  are  two  folds  of  skin  and  mucou.g 
membrane,  which  commence  in  front  of  the  pubic  bones,  and  extend 
back  to  the  perinasum,  where  they  again  meet.  The  superior  junction 
is  called  the  anterior  commissure,  the  posterior  is  called  the  posterior 
commissure,  or  fourchette.  By  rtdva  some  mean  the  whole  external  or- 
gans, by  otters  the  longitudinal  opening  between  the  projecting  part  of 
the  external  organs.  The  use  of  the  external  labia  is  to  protect  the  or- 
gans situated  between  them. 

The  nyrnphiT  or  labia  interna,  or  inner  lips,  arise  from  nearly  the  same 
point,  at  the  anterior  commissure,  and  run  downwards  and  backwards, 
about  an  inch,  to  the  middle  of  the  vaginal  orifice,  where  they  disappear 
in  the  general  lining  of  the  labia  externa. 

The  clitoris  is  seated  just  below  the  point  of  the  junction  of  the  labia 


39S  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

interna.  In  structure  it  is  the  same  as  the  male  organ,  with  the  excep- 
tion that  it  has  no  sponf^y  body  or  urethra.  It  is  erectile  and  extremely 
sensitive.  Its  mucous  covering  is  continuous  with  the  vaginal  lining. 
Under  exciting  influences  it  distends  and  enlarges.  In  exceptional 
instances  and  from  certain  causes,  it  becomes  abnormally  enlarged  and 
elongated,  and  those  females  in  whom  this  enlargement  is  observed,  are 
the  reputed  hermaphrodites,  especially  when  other  congenital  deficiencies 
are  associated.  This  must  be  regarded,  however,  as  an  anotomical 
vagary,  as  in  animated  nature  there  is  nothing  truly  epicene. 

The  triangular  space  between  the  sides  of  the  labia  interna  and  above 
the  clitoris  is  known  as  the  vestibule^  at  the  lower  portion  of  which  is 
found  the  meatus  ur/nariu.t,  or  orifice  of  the  urethra.  The  urethra  is 
about  an  inch  and  a  half  long  and  very  dilatable. 

The  hi/mcti  is  a  fold  of  mucous  membrane,  generally  of  semilunar 
shape,  with  its  concavity  upwards,  which  is  found  just  within  the  orifice 
of  the  vagina.  It  is  generally  ruptured  at  the  first  carnal  intercourse. 
Its  presence  generally  denotes  the  virgin ;  it  is,  however,  not  an  infalli- 
ble argumeiitum  inUgritaUs  (one  of  its  names),  or  evidence  of  virginal 
integrity.  Connubial  infelicity  has  often  arisen  on  account  of  its  .absence 
in  the  chosen  one  of  a  man  who  earnestly  believed  its  presence  al^solute- 
ly  necessary  to  establish  virginity.  Many  circumstances  of  an  ii^ocent 
character  may  occasion  a  rupture  or  destruction  of  this  membrane,  such 
as  coughing,  convulsive  laughter,  menstruation,  etc.  It  is  often,  indeed, 
found  absent  in  children  soon  after  birth,  whilst  it  may  remain  entire 
even  after  copulation.  Cases  of  conception  have  been  recorded,  and  yet 
the  membrane  was  found  intact.  Hence  its  presence  does  not  absolute- 
ly prove  virginity,  nor  does  its  absence  prove  mcontinence,  although  its 
presence  would  be  what  is  known  in  law  iis  'priiiid  facie  evidence  of  con- 
tinence. 

Its  remains  after  rupture  form  what  is  known  as  the  caimnculo!  myrU- 
formes^  by  reason  of  the  resemblance  to  the  leaves  of  the  myrtle.  The 
space  between  the  hymen  and  fourchette  is  called  the  fosm  navicularis. 

The  external  organs  in  the  aggregate  are  often  called  the  pudendum. 

The  Internal  Org.vns. 

The  viKjiiia  is  that  canal  extending  from  its  origin  in  the  vulva  ob- 
liquely through  the  cavity  of  the  pelvis  to  the  uterus.  Its  usual  length 
is  about  four  or  five  inches,  and  about  three  in  circumference,  though 
in  a  few  females  it  may  exceed  that  lengtli,  while  in  others  it  may  be 
but  a  few  inches  long.  It  is  shorter  and  more  capacious  in  those  who 
have  borne  children.  It  is  well  supplied  with  blood-vessels,  and  its  mu- 
cous membrane  is  of  a  pink  color,  so  arranged  in  various  folds  as  to 
allow  great  extension.     Its  orifice  is  suiTounded  b/  a  coUection  of  mus- 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  399 

cular  fibres,  called  the  spJiincter  vngince.  It  is  not  much  under  the  con- 
trol of  the  will,  however,  as  is  shown  by  the  inability  to  retain  injections. 

The  ittcrus,  or  womb,  is  placed  at  the  upper  part  of  the  vagina,  and 
hangs  in  the  centre  of  the  pelvis,  behind  the  bladder  and  before  the 
rectum.  In  shape  it  resembles  the  pear,  rounder  posteriorly  than  an- 
teriorly, and  is  about  two  and  a  half  to  three  inches  long,  two  inches 
wide,  and  very  nearly  an  inch  thick.  Its  upper  part  is  called  the  /w«- 
dus^  the  inferior  cylindrical  portion  the  cervix  or  neck,  and  the  inter- 
vening portion  the  body.  It  is  held  in  place  by  the  broad  and  lateral 
ligaments.  Its  cavity  is  triangular,  the  base  being  directed  vipwards, 
and  the  superior  angles  corresponding  to  the  points  of  entrance  of  the 
Fallopian  tubes ;  in  size  it  is  about  equal  to  a  split  almond,  and  the  in- 
terior walls  are  nearly  alwaj'S  in  contact.  Its  inferior  angle  communi- 
cates with  the  vagina  through  the  canal  of  the  neck,  which  is  barrel- 
shaped,  and  from  half  to  three-quarters  of  an  inch  long.  The  contrac- 
tion at  the  upper  extremity  of  the  canal  is  called  the  internal  mouth  or 
OS  vten\  whilst  that  of  the  lower  extremity  is  called  the  os  uteri  or  os 
ti/icce,  the  latter  name  from  its  supposed  resemblance  to  the  mouth  of  a 
tench.  In  shape  the  os  varies,  in  some  being  transverse,  in  others  circu- 
lar or  ragged,  the  latter  especially  in  women  who  have  borne  children. 
The  uterine  cavity  lodges  the  foetus  from  the  commencement  of  concep- 
tion until  its  bii'th. 

The  Fallopian  tubes  are  cylindrical  canals  about  four  inches  long, 
arising  from  the  superior  angle  of  the  uterus.  Externally  they  are 
equally  thick  throughout,  except  at  their  terminal  extremity,  where 
they  expand  into  a  trumpet-shaped  enlargement,  called  fimbria  or 
morsiis  diabolic,  by  which  the  ovaries  are  grasjied.  They  are  the  ducts 
for  the  passage  of  the  ovules  from  the  ovaries  of  the  uterus.  The 
ovaries  are  the  analogues  of  the  male  testes.  They  are  situated  on  each 
side  of  the  uterus ;  three  or  four  inches  away  from  it.  They  are  oval 
in  shape,  and  in  removing  the  outer  coats,  the  proper  ovarian  tissi^e 
appears,  called  the  stroma.  The  stroma  is  studded  with  numerous 
little  bodies  called  Graafian  vesicles.  These  vary  in  size,  the  largest 
being  found  near  the  surface  of  the  ovary,  and  are  found  early  in  life, 
but  are  more  develojied  about  the  period  of  puberty.  These  vesicles 
have  two  coats,  the  tu/iic  of  the  ovisac,  and  the  ovisac.  Within  the 
cavity  formed  by  these  membranes  is  an  albuminous  fluid,  iu  which  is 
found  lloating  the  ovum  or  egg,  which  is  exceedingly  small,  but  which 
if  impregnated  becomes  the  foetus.  The  human  egg  in  all  its  details 
resembles  the  egg  of  the  chick.  It  contains  a  yolk,  in  the  centre  of 
which  is  a  little  vesicle  called  the  (/erini/ial  vesicle,  and  on  the  walls  of 
the  germinal  vesicle  is  seen  its  nucleu^s,  named  the  macula  r/erminatica. 
or  germinal  spot.  As  each  Graafian  vesicle  rises  to  the  surface  of  the 
ovary  it  bursts,  and  allows  the  contained  ovum  to  escape,  which  is  seized 


400  THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

by  the  fimbriae  of  the  Fallopian  tube,  and  transmitted  to  the  •womb. 
The  scar  left  on  the  ovary  after  the  discharge  of  the  ovum  is  called  the 
corpus  luteum  or  ydlmc  body.  This  function  iu  the  female  is  named 
ovvhition. 

There  is  no  correspondence  between  the  number  of  yellow  bodies 
found  in  the  ovaries  of  a  woman  and  the  number  of  children  she  may 
have  borne,  as  the  ova  are  constantly  discharged,  irrespective  of  fecun- 
dation, and  hence  the  corpus  luteum  is  no  evidence  of  proviously  exist- 
ing pregnancy 

Social  Status  of  the  Organs. 

We  have  now  described  the  most  important  anatomical  features  of  the 
genital  organs  with  the  same  composure  and  desire  to  instruct,  as  when 
we  described  the  anatomy  of  the  other  organs,  and  I  am  sure  that  aU  of 
my  correct- minded  readers  have  read  the  same  with  equal  equanimity 
and  desire  to  learn.  It  is  altogether  owing  to  a  false  and  foolish  mod- 
esty that  everything  descriptive  of  the  anatomical  differences  of  the 
se.xes  is  declared  to  be  indelicate  or  obscene.  It  is  only  obscene  when 
used  to  awaken  and  excite  the  imagination  to  dwell  on  amatory  objects, 
and  not  when  used  for  the  purposes  of  legitimate  instructions  as  in  these 
pa^^es.  Extreme  reticence  with  regard  to  matters  referring  tq^the  geni- 
tal part  of  the  economy  is  not  always  indicative  of  a  pure  modesty  o*  con- 
tinence, nor  is  it  healthy  conservatism,  but  often  the  promoter  of  d^ease 
and  imbecility.  Those  who  are  diseased  at  this  part  of  their  anatomy, 
usually  became  so  because  they  were  ignorant  of  either  the  anatomy 
or  physiology  of  the  organs  This  fact  leads  me  to  have  no  sympathy 
with  any  prudish  illiberality,  but  forcibly  impresses  me  with  the  great 
necessity  existing  for  instruction  and  enlightenment  relative  to  this  part 
of  the  economy.  I  will  therefore  break  loose  from  the  trammels  of  pru- 
derj',  and  attempt,  in  a  measure,  to  properly  inform  my  readers,  in  a 
discreet  manner,  of  all  the  bearings  of  philosophy  relative  to  the  econo- 
my of  the  genitalia.  Knowledge  of  this  kind,  in  obeisance  to  a  prescrip- 
tive spirit,  is  now  isolated  within  a  narrow  precinct  of  intelligence, 
while  the  demands  of  the  highest  w^elfare  of  humanity  are  urgent  for 
universal  dissemination.  Medical  men  have  long  been  aware  of  the  ne- 
cessity of  jiopularizing  intelligence  relative  to  this  subject,  but  lacked  the 
wisdom  to  ignore  the  illiberal  countenance  that  banished  it  within  their 
own  limits  of  intelligence.  If  any  medical  knowledge  is  worthy  of  popu- 
lar acceptance  and  guidance,  it  is  that  pertaiuing  to  the  genital  part  of 
the  economy  ;  on  no  other  subject  are  unprofessional  people  so  ignorant, 
and  no  other  8i)ecies  of  ignorance  is  conducive  to  greater  misfortunes. 

Discussion  of  this  subject  in  the  decorous  language  of  science  in  a 
popular  work,  will  not  lead  to  lewdness  nor  encourage  lechery  ;  on  the 
contrary,  my  convictions  are  that  such  information  as  will  be  impartej 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  401 

will  tend  to  give  a  healthy  tone  to  modesty  and  encourage  continence. 
This  is  my  purpose,  all  others  I  ignore  and  condemn. 

Excessive  modesty  is  often  the  offspring  of  ignorance.  The  physician 
who  is  fully  acquainted  with  the  anatomy  and  physiology  of  the  genera- 
tive organs,  finds  nothing  suggestive  in  such  knowledge  ;  it  is  to  him 
as  common-place  as  the  anatomy  and  physiology  of  other  parts  of  the 
economy.  And  should  unprofessional  people  be  possessed  of  proper 
knowledge  of  the  anatomical  features  and  physiological  functions  of  the 
organs,  any  decent  and  necessary  allusion  to  them  would  not  be  regard- 
ed as  indelicate  or  offensive.  Such  intelligence  is  not  subversive  of  the 
moral  nature,  nor  provocative  of  impure  thought ;  the  conventional 
illiberality  deemed  proper  by  certain  people,  is  far  more  hurtful  than 
judicious  instruction.  Knowledge  with  refererence  to  the  human 
economy  is  capable  of  great  injury  if  permitted  to  be  buried,  and  this  is 
as  true  of  the  organs  in  the  pelvis  as  of  those  in  the  thoracic  region. 
We  should  aU  know,  and  not  be  ashamed  to  admit,  when  admission 
is  proper  and  right,  that  Nature  completed  her  work  in  case  of  our 
own  persons ;  injudicious  reservation  in  this  respect,  does  a  great 
deal  of  hann,  as  it  often  obliges  the  unfortunate  to  suifer  in  secret 
with  serious  affections,  the  locality  of  which  makes  them  ashamed  or 
unwilling  to  confide  in  those  whose  counsels  may  be  of  benefit.  Few 
parents  have  the  wisdom  to  take  their  children  in  their  confidence  and 
teach  them  the  evils  consequent  on  solitary  indulgence,  and  but  few 
mothers  acquaint  their  daughters  with  the  phenomenon  of  womanhood 
before  its  appearance.  The  son  is  unwilling  to  seek  the  counsel  of 
his  father,  and  the  daughter  does  not  avail  herself  of  her  mother's  wis- 
dom and  experience.  It  is  the  experience  of  every  medical  man  whose 
practice  extends  largely  among  females,  that  questions  concerning  the 
integrity  of  the  organs  in  the  pelvic  cavity  are  unwillingly  answered. 
What  young  female  is  willing  to  intrust  to  her  medical  attendant  the 
knowledge  of  her  disordered  menstruation  ?  She  refuses  to  answer  his 
questions,  and  probably  hides  her  chlorotic  face  under  the  bed  clothes. 
The  doctor  only  gains  the  truth  after  he  is  taken  to  another  room  where 
the  mother  or  nurse  acquaints  him  with  the  fact.  This  round-about 
way  of  imparting  the  required  information,  places  the  patient  in  an  em- 
barrassing attitude  towards  her  physician,  and  it  would  be  far  better  for 
her  own  welfare  and  individual  independence  did  she  herself  state  the 
fact,  and  freely  and  composedly  answer  the  interrogations  of  her  medi- 
cal attendant.  Who  can  admire  the  sickly  modesty  of  Dr.  Abernethy's 
patient,  who  enveloped  her  wrist  in  a  linen  handkerchief  before  she 
would  permit  him  to  ascertain  the  condition  of  her  pulse.  The  Doctor, 
however,  gave  the  i)roper  rebuke,  for  he  immediately  put  his  hand  in  his 
coat-tail,  and  remarked  that  '"  a  linen  patient  requires  a  woolen  physi- 
cian."     Those  of  the  authors  sex  are  also  very  often  uncomfortable  in 

2A 


402  THE    COMPLETE    ITERBALIST. 

the  physician's  presence,  if  questioned  with  regard  to  diseases  of  the 
generative  organs.  This  is  radical!}'  wrong,  for  such  timidity  and  un- 
willingness induces  the  patient  to  defer  medical  treatment  until  absolute- 
ly driven  to  it  by  the  extreme  gravity  the  affection  assumes.  Modesty 
is  an  admirable  virtue,  as  far  as  social  intcrcouse  is  concerned,  but  under 
circumstances  requiring  mcdicol  aid  or  counsel,  the  re-establishment  of 
the  organs  to  healthy  jihysiological  action  should  not  be  embarrassed  by 
a  diseased  modesty,  or  timid  and  foolish  reservation.  As  this  work  is 
intended  to  bear  a  relation  to  the  reader  the  same  as  the  physician  does 
to  his  patient,  it  is  hoped  that  the  knowledge  contained  in  these  essays, 
will  receive  commendation  instead  of  condemnation,  that  they  will  be 
considerately  read  by  all  who  have  need  of  such  intelligence;  and  that 
errors  of  habit  may  be  abandoned  and  the  proper  observance  of  the 
laws  of  health  respecting  the  generative  organs  bo  followed  instead. 

In  conclusion,  I  hope  there  are  not  many  of  my  readers  who  are  offend- 
ed with  Xature  for  making  us  distinct  as  to  sex,  and  who  endeavor  to 
remedy  her  mistakes  by  hushing  up  the  fact  altogether. 


Preservation  of  tke  Health  op  the  Organs>- 

Complete  health  of  the  organs  is  necessary  to  the  full  vigor  aj  the 
general  economy,  and  it  should  be  the  aim  and  desire  of  all  to  maiiitain 
the  vigor  of  the  genitalia.  The  male  delights  in  the  shapely  figure  of 
the  person  of  the  female,  the  full  development  of  her  bust,  and  the  vi- 
vacity of  her  spirits,  all  indicative  of  a  healthy  genitalia ;  and  the  fe- 
male takes  pride  in  the  male  who  presents  the  evidences  of  a  vigorous 
manhood.     This  is  a  natural  selection,  and  no  one  is  indifferent  to  it. 

The  greatest  requirement  is  cleanliness.  Ablutions  of  these  parts 
ehould  be  more  frequent  than  of  the  body  in  general.  We  have  seen 
that  in  the  male  the  secretion  of  smegma  constantly  accumulates  at  the 
corona.  Besides,  the  scrotum  is  so  sitiiated  that  perspiration  is  at  all 
times  attendant.  Its  surface  is  also  studded  with  numerous  sebaceous 
follicles,  whose  secretions  become  quickly  veiy  offensive.  If  these 
secretions  are  not  removed,  they  will  impede  the  full  development  of 
the  organ  as  well  as  abridge  coitive  power.  They  should  therefore  be 
daily  cleansed.  Cold  water  is  i)refcrable,  as  it  is  more  stimulating,  and 
possesses  greater  tonic  properties  than  tepid  or  warm  water. 

In  the  female  the  exce.ssive  secretions  render  cleanliness  very  im- 
portant. The  vaginal  secretions  should  not  be  allowed  to  accum- 
late  at  the  vulva,  as  they  soon  become  offensive,  and  if  re-absorbed 
imjiair  the  general  health.  On  the  pubic  prominence  are  many  se- 
baceous follicles,  whose  secretions  should  be  frequently  removed  by 
ablutious.     Besides,  the  urine  which  passes  through  the  external  parta 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  403 

i 

adds  constantly  to  the  uncleanly  state.  It  is  therefore  very  important 
that  the  parts  should  be  frequently  washed,  omitting,  however,  cold- 
water  ablutions  during  the  menstrual  period. 

Nothing  is  capable  of  doing  greater  harm  than  excesses  of  any  kind, 
and  those  organs  should  not  be  indulged  by  any  unnatural  means.  It  is 
promotive  of  disease,  destructive  of  manhood  and  healthy  womanhood, 
and,  if  early  engaged  in,  arrests  the  full  development  of  the  organs  of 
either  sex,  and  so  reduces  the  strength  of  these  organs  that  it  renders 
them  incapacitated  for  the  purposes  which  were  oi'dained  to  them  by 
nature,  besides  wrecking  the  nervous  system  very  materially.  It  ia 
well  known  that  those  who  have  thus  been  imprudent,  having  so  long 
been  accustomed  to  self-gratification,  do  not  find  subsequent  and  legiti- 
mate excitement  so  intense  as  those  who  have  been  continent.  They 
have  so  long  been  accustomed  to  the  gratification  induced  Ijy  their  own 
electricity  that  the  magnetism  of  another  body  becomes  more  or  less 
inert  in  the  production  of  a  complete  orgasm.  The  habit  is  morally 
and  physically  pernicious,  and  its  prevalence  should  be  abated  by  influ- 
ence of  a  superior  edxication  in  these  matters. 

Undue  excitement  of  the  important  passion  is  detrimental  in  the  ex- 
treme. Obscene  literature  and  pictures  do  more  harm  than  merely  de- 
praving the  moral  tastes — they  so  stimulate  the  amative  passions  that 
the  seminal  vesicles,  by  the  consequent  nervous  excitement,  will  allow 
the  semen  to  ooze  away,  inducing  hidden  seminal  waste  or  losses  of 
semen  with  the  urine,  creating  an  intonicity  of  those  organs  and  dejirive 
them  of  natural  vigor.  The  same  effect  is  produced  by  association  of 
the  sexes,  where  the  mutual  conduct  is  provocative  of  amative  excite- 
ment, though  modified  by  forbidden  indulgence.  Those  who  have 
the  welfare  of  the  organs  in  view,  are  therefore  counselled  not  to  per- 
mit abnormal  excitement  of  the  passions  to  occur.  Females  should, 
likewise,  avoid  reading  obscene  literature,  from  the  fact  that  the  con- 
stant expenditure  of  nervous  force  ensuing  upon  the  engorged  condition 
of  her  organs  is  very  hurtful.  It  is  a  well-known  physiological  fact, 
that  undue  excitement  of  any  passion,  siich  as  anger,  mirth,  etc. ,  is  al- 
ways followed  by  a  certain  weakness  of  the  general  organism,  and  the 
same  holds  true  of  the  amative  passion  also. 

The  occasional  desire  for  congress  is  purely  a  natl^ral  one,  and  the 
most  chaste  or  pure-minded  person,  sufficiently  fortunate  to  possess 
healthy  organs,  cannot  rise  superior  to  the  desire.  It  is  simply  a  mani- 
festation of  a  function  of  the  economy  in  perfect  obedience  to  a  physio- 
logical law.  It  is  readily  explained.  We  have  seen  that  semen  is  the 
secretory  product  of  a  gland  (the  testes),  afterward  deposited  in  a 
vesicle ;  the  urine  is  also  secreted  by  a  gland,  and  deposited  likewise  in 
a  vesicle  (the  bladder).  When  the  bladder  becomes  filled  the  afEerent 
nerves  distributed  to  it  convey  intelligence  of  the  fact  to  the  brain,  and 


404  THE  COMPLETE  HEKBALIST. 

a  desire  for  urination  arises,  which  continues  as  long  as  the  bladder 
remains  charged  with  urine.  This  is  a  natural  phenomenon  of  organic 
function.  In  like  mannc-r  the  full  seminal  vesicles  impart  the  sensation 
to  the  nerves  distributed  to  them,  which  is  also  conveyed  to  the  brain. 
What  is  the  result  ?  Naturally,  a  desire  for  cohabitation  in  order  to 
evacuate  the  charged  vesicles.  This  fact  is  an  unalterable  condition  of 
the  economy,  and  it  follows  that  a  desire  for  the  evacuation  of  the  vesi- 
cles is  as  much  a  natural  manifestation  of  functional  action  as  that  of 
relief  of  the  bladder.  In  the  female  the  hyi^ersesthetic  condition  of  the 
nerves  distributed, to  the  clitoris  awakens  the  same  desire,  which  remains 
as  long  as  the  nervous  forces,  are  not  equalized  by  the  expenditure  of  a 
part.  It  is,  therefore,  purely  a  nervous  phenomenon  in  the  female. 
The  amative  passion  is  not  a  cultivated  one  ;  it  is  natural  to  the  human 
being,  and  ineradicable  by  the  greatest  exercise  of  continent  thought 
and  behavior,  and  its  gratification  is  unquestionably  hygienic.  It  is,  of 
course,  as  subject  to  rational  indulgence  as  in  diet  or  drink. 

We  have  seen  that  desires  are  natural  in  a  healthy  condition  of  either 
sex,  and  that  a  rational  indulgence  is  hygienic,  but  I  earnestly  caution 
every  reader  to  guard  against  debauchmg  the  passion  by  unlicensed 
congress.  The  indulgence  can  only  be  countenanced  in  maxi-iage.  .  It 
is,  therefore,  the  plam  duty  of  every  male  and  female  to  marry,  aiid  as 
early  in  life  as  contingencies  will  permit.  That  marriage  is  hygetiic  is 
proven  by  the  fact  that  married  people  live  longer  than  the  unmarried,  a 
fact  that  demonstrates  the  marital  privilege  as  a  healthy  relation  be- 
tween the  sexes.  Nature  did  not  design  total  continence,  and  such  a 
condition  is  aversive  to  the  physical  and  mental  well-being  of  the  sexes. 
Nature,  however,  provides  in  this  as  she  does  in  everything  else.  The 
amative  passions  do  not  present  themselves  or  become  inconveniently 
Btroug  in  either  sex  untQ  a  full  marriageable  age  is  attained. 


Marriage. 

This  is,  in  law,  the  conjugal  union  of  man  with  woman,  and  is  the 
only  state  m  which  cohaVjitation  is  considered  proper  and  irreprehensi- 
ble.  Tlie  marriage  relation  exists  in  all  Christian  communities,  and  is 
considered  the  most  solemn  of  contracts,  and,  excepting  in  Protestant 
countries,  it  is  regarded  as  a  sacrament.  In  some  countries  its  celebra- 
tion falls  under  the  cogiiizance  of  ecclesiastical  courts  only,  but  in  the 
United  States  it  is  regarded  as  merely  a  civil  contract,  magistrates  hav- 
ing, equally  with  clergymen,  the  right  to  solemnize  it,  though  it  is  usu- 
ally the  practice  to  have  it  performed  by  a  clergyman,  and  attended 
with  religious  ceremonies,  Marriage,  as  a  legalized  custom,  is  of  very 
ancient  origin.  It  is  doubtful  whether  even  the  primitive  man  was  not 
governed  in  the  intercourse  of  the  sexos  by  some  recognition  of  the 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  405 

union  being  confined  to  one  chosen  one.  No  greater  promiscuity  can  cer- 
tainly be  supposed  than  occurs  in  the  lower  animals,  where  pairing  ia 
the  law.  The  nobler  animals,  as  the  lion,  elephant,  etc.,  never  have 
but  one  mate  ;  and  even  in  case  of  death  do  not  re-mate.  As  man  ad- 
vanced, civil  codes  were  inaugurated,  and  certain  protection  given  to 
the  choice  of  the  parties.  The  earliest  civil  code  regulating  marriage  of 
which  we  have  any  account  was  that  of  Menes,  who,  Herodotus  tells  us, 
was  the  first  of  the  Pharaohs  or  native  Egyptian  kings,  and  who  lived 
about  3,500  years  before  Christ.     The  nature  of  his  code  is  not  known. 

The  Biblical  account  extends  further  back,  but  it  does  not  appear 
that  any  laws  existed  regulating  marriage,  but  each  one  was  allowed  to 
choose  his  wife  and  concubines,  and  it  is  supposed  that  common  consent 
respected  the  selection.  Next  Moses  gave  laws  for  the  government  of 
marriage  among  the  Israelites.  The  early  Greeks  followed  the  code  of 
Cecrops,  and  the  Romans  were  also  governed  in  their  marital  relations 
by  stringent  laws.  In  fact  the  necessity  of  some  law  regulating  the  in- 
tercourse between  the  sexes  must  have  become  very  apparent  to  aU 
nations  or  communities  at  a  very  early  period.  It  certainly  antedates 
any  legal  regulations  with  regard  to  the  possession  of  property.  It  is 
very  probable  that  every  community  did  by  common  consent  afford  to 
each  male  one  or  more  females,  and  the  presumption  is  that  such  choice 
or  assignment,  as  the  case  may  have  been,  was  respected  by  common 
agreement  as  inviolable.  It  is  doubtful  if  ever  joromiscuity  was  the 
law  or  privilege  with  any  community  of  men,  even  in  their  primitive 
state.  The  possession  of  reason  is  antagonistic  to  such  a  beUef ;  and 
man  was  most  probably  elevated  above  the  beast  by  the  faculty  of  rea- 
son in  this  respect  as  in  others.  Promiscuous  indulgence  is  always  evi- 
dence of  debauchery,  and  a  departure  from  that  natural  course  which  is 
prompted  by  an  innate  sense  of  propriety  characterizing  mankind.  The 
law  is  very  indefinite  with  regard  to  what  constitutes  a  legal  marriage. 
It  is  an  unsettled  question,  both  in  England  and  in  this  country, 
whether  a  marriage  solemnized  by  customary  formalities  alone  is  legal, 
or  if  one  characterized  by  the  mere  consent  of  the  parties  is  illegal. 
The  latter  has  been  held  as  legal  in  some  instances  in  both  countries. 
Kent,  in  his  Commentaries,  lays  down  the  law  that  contracts  made  so 
that  either  party  recognizes  it  from  the  moment  of  contract,  and  even 
not  followed  by  cohabitation,  amounts  to  a  valid  marriage ;  and  also 
that  a  contract  to  be  recognized  at  some  future  period,  and  followed  by 
consummation,  is  equally  valid.  It  is  unfortunate  that  the  law  is  so  un- 
decided in  this  respect.  The  decisions  amved  at,  for  or  against,  were 
not  dependent  upon  any  recognized  law,  but  seem  to  be  influenced  by 
the  character  of  the  cases,  either  for  favor  or  discountenance.  As  long 
as  the  law  recognizes  cohabitation  legal  only  in  marriage,  it  seems  to 
me  that  if  consummated  ujider  consent  of  the  parties  to  bear  marital 


40G  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

relations  with  each  other,  or  promise  of  marriage,  the  act  shoiild  be  un- 
hesitatingly pronounced  as  the  equivalent  of  a  valid  marriage  in  all 
instances.  If  cohabitation  is  only  a  marital  prerogative  the  law- 
should  not  stultify  itself  by  recognizing  it  as  possible  to  occur  in 
any  other  relation.  If  either  of  the  parties  are  married  the  law- 
defines  it  as  adultery,  and,  very  properly,  defines  the  punishment. 
It  is  necessary  to  the  progress  of  the  age  that  some  such  principle 
should  be  recognized  in  common  law,  so  as  not  to  subject  the 
decision  of  the  question  to  the  individual  opinion  of  any  judge.  It 
would  at  once  obviate  the  confusion  of  sentiment  now  held  in  regard  to 
it,  and  besides  arrest  the  decision  in  test  cases  from  mere  caprice  of  the 
tribunal.  It  is  certainly  as  correct  a  principle  as  any  in  common  law, 
and  would,  in  its  operations  as  a  statute  law,  be  free  from  injustice, 
and  capable  of  duiug  much  good . 

Polygamy. 

This  is  a  state  in  which  a  man  has  at  the  same  time  one  or  more 
wives,  or  a  woman  more  than  one  husband.  The  latter  custom  is  more 
properly  called  polyandry,  and  prevails  in  Thibet  and  a  few  other  places. 
Polygamy  has  existed  from  time  immemorial,  especially  among  the 
nations  of  the  East.  In  sacred  history  we  find  that  it  prevailed  before 
the  flood.  Lamech  had  two  wives,  and  the  patriarchs  were  nedHy  all 
polygamists.  The  custom  was  tolerated  by  the  laws  of  Moses,  and,  in 
fact,  no  positive  injunction  against  it  is  found  in  the  whole  of  the  Old 
Testament.  It  is  questionable  whether  more  than  one  was  recognized 
as  the  bond-fide  wife,  the  other  simply  being  wives  by  right  of  concu- 
binage. But  if  polygamy  was  in  its  strictest  sense  the  legal  custom,  it 
soon  grew  unpopular,  for  no  trace  of  it  is  met  in  the  records  of  the  New 
Testament,  where  all  the  passages  refci-ring  to  marriage  imply  mono- 
gamy as  alone  lawful.  The  custom  has  been  almost  universal  in  the 
East,  being  .sanctioned  by  all  the  religions  existing  there.  The  religion 
of  Mohammed  allows  four  wives,  but  the  permission  is  rarely  exercised 
except  by  the  rich.  The  custom  is  accounted  for  on  the  ground  of  the 
premature  old  age  of  the  female  in  those  regions,  and  al.-;o  on  the  ground 
of  excess  of  the  number  of  females,  though  the  latter,  by  the  authority 
of  recent  travellers,  is  probably  not  the  truth.  The  marriage  code  of 
Fu-hi,  who  primarily  established  civilization  among  the  Chinese,  gave 
most  probably  superiority  to  but  one  wife,  but  raised  the  concubine  to 
the  dignity  of  a  wife  to  a  certain  extent. 

Among  the  Greeks,  at  least  of  later  times,  monogamy  was  the  custom, 
though  in  the  time  of  Homer  polygamy  prevailed  to  some  extent.  It  was 
not  known  in  the  republic  of  Rome,  but  during  the  existence  of  the  empire 
the  prevalrnce  of  divorce  gave  rise  to  a  state  almost  an;Uogous  to  it.  It 
prevailed  among  the  barbarouB  nations  of  antiquity,  excepting  the  Ger- 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  407 

mans,  who.  according  to  Tacitus,  ' '  were  content  with  a  single  wife. "  In 
some  countries  more  than  one  wife  was  allowable  if  the  husband  could 
extend  the  dowry  ;  a  wife  without  a  dowry  was  considered  only  a  concu- 
bine. This  was  the  case  in  Judea,  when  it  became  a  dependenc}*  of 
Home. 

In  Christian  countries  polygamy  was  never  tolerated,  the  tenets  of 
the  church  forbidding  it,  though  Charlemagne  had  two  wives,  and 
Sigibert  and  Chilperic  also  had  a  plurality.  John  of  Leyden,  an  Ana- 
baptist leader,  was  the  husband  of  seventeen  wives,  and  he  held  that  it 
was  his  moral  right  to  marry  as  many  as  he  chose. 

In  England  the  punishment  of  polygamy  was  originally  in  the  hands 
of  the  ecclesiastics.  It  was  considered  a  cajiital  crime  by  a  statute  of 
Edward  I. ,  but  it  did  not  come  entirely  under  the  control  of  the  tem- 
poral power  until  a  statute  of  James  I.  made  it  a  felony,  punishable  with 
death.  George  III.  made  it  punishable  by  imprisonment  or  transporta- 
tion for  seven  years.  By  the  laws  of  ancient  and  modem  Sweden  the 
penalty  is  death.  The  Prussian  Code  of  1794  subjected  the  criminal  to 
confinement  in  a  house  of  correction  for  not  less  than  two  years.  In 
the  United  States  the  second  marriage  is  a  nullity,  and  the  punishment 
varies  in  the  different  States,  though  usually  imprisonment  for  a  certain 
period,  or  fine,  or  both,  is  the  penalty.  The  term  bigamy  is  most  in 
use,  however,  as  the  plurality  seldom  extends  beyond  two.  Polygamy 
has  had  some  defenders  even  in  modem  times,  most  of  whom  have 
grounded  their  defence  on  the  absence  of  an  express  prohibition  in  the 
Scriptures.  Bernard  Ochinus,  general  of  the  Catholic  Order  of  Capu- 
chins, though  afterwards  a  Protestant,  wrote  in  the  sixteenth  century  a 
work  in  which  he  advocated  it  It  was  also  boldly  defended  by  the 
Rev.  M.  Madan,  in  a  treatise  called  TIuiyphtlLoro^  but  limited  the  privi- 
lege to  men. 

It  is  the  offspring  of  licentiousness,  and  its  advocates  merely  wish  to 
give  legal  color  to  licentious  habits.  Every  student  of  history  will  find 
that  as  soon  as  a  nation  became  morally  depraved,  polygamy  was  prac- 
tised, and  that  monogamy  was  the  rule  in  all  countries  truly  civilized. 
Monogamy  is  an  element  of  civilization,  and,  as  a  true  child,  fosters 
and  maintains  its  parent. 

Polygamy  has  of  late  years  been  most  shamefully  revived,  and  out- 
rageously practised  in  face  of  law,  l^y  the  Mormons.  They  claim  it  as 
a  religious  duty,  and  defend  the  sj'stem  by  claiming  that  unmarried 
women  can  in  the  future  life  reach  only  the  position  of  angels  who 
occupy  in  the  Mormon  theocratic  sj'stem  a  very  subordinate  rank, 
being  simply  ministering  servants  to  those  more  worthy,  thus  pro- 
claiming that  it  is  a  virtual  necessity  of  the  male  to  practise  the 
vilest  immorality  in  order  to  advance  the  female  to  the  highest  place 
in  Heaven. 


408  THK    COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

Mormonism  is  a  religion  founded  by  Joseph  Smith,  who  vras  bom  in 
Sharon,  Vt.,  December  2:J,  1805,  and  killed  at  Carthage,  111.,  June  27, 
1844.  The  Smith  family  removed  from  Vermont  to  Palmyra,  N.  Y.,  in 
181.1,  and,  according  to  testimony,  the  reputation  of  the  family  was  bad, 
and  that  Joseph  was  the  worst  of  the  lot.  They  were  untruthfid,  in- 
temperate, and  commonly  suspected  of  vile  practices,  which  were  proba- 
bly true  in  some  cases,  and  false  in  others.  These  statements  are  not 
contradicted  even  by  the  Blormons.  Joseph  claims  that  in  1823  (Sept. 
21).  he  had  a  vision,  in  which  the  angel  Moroni  appeared  to  him  and 
made  known  that  in  a  hill  near  Manchester,  N.  Y.,  he  would  find  a  rec- 
ord written  on  golden  plates,  giving  an  account  of  the  ancient  inhabit- 
ants of  America,  and  the  dealings  of  God  with  them,  and  with  the 
record,  two  transparent  stones  iu  silver  bows  Like  .spectacles,  which  were 
anciently  called  Urim  and  Thummim,  on  looking  through  which  the 
golden  plate-s  would  become  intelligible.  These  he  claimed  were  placed 
in  his  hand  September  22,  1827,  by  the  angel  of  the  Lord.  The  language 
was  called  the  reformed  Egyptian,  not  then  known  on  earth,  and 
the  contents  of  the  plates  formed  the  '"Book  of  Mormon."  The  book 
of  Jlormon  has  been  proven  to  have  been  written  by  Solomon  Spaulding. 
It  will  thus  be  seen  that  Mormonism  was  the  development  of  a  stupend- 
ous fraud,  and  it  is  exceedingly  singular,  that  a  sect  of  such"Tiurabera 
as  Mormonism  is  now,  or  has  been,  could  have  been  formed,  when 
everything  connected  with  it  is  fraudulent  and  ijcrniciously  immoral. 
Polygamy  was  not  introduced  among  the  Mormons  until  1843,  when 
Smith  ordered  it  as  a  doctrine  of  the  church  by  virtue  of  a  revelation. 
The  Jlormons  also  aim  to  prove  its  right  by  claiming  that  St.  Paul's  ia- 
junction  that  a  bishop  "should  be  the  husband  of  one  wife,"  implies 
that  other  men  should  have  as  many  as  they  choose,  and  that  if  a 
bishop  should  be  the  husband  of  one  wife  at  least,  the  passage  does  not 
express  a  prohibition  of  his  having  more  if  he  wishes. 

It  is  a  most  singular  fact  that  a  sect  like  the  i\Iormons  could  have 
been  established  in  a  country  peopled  with  such  law-abiding  people  as  of 
the  United  States,  and  maintaiu  a  system  of  marriage  antagonistic  to 
the  law  and  religion  of  the  land.  Neither  could  they  have  done  so, 
if  they  had  not  possessed  two  great  virtues,  temperance  and  industry. 
It  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  legal  process  now  instituted  for  its  abolition 
will  effectually  remove  the  blot  from  the  national  escutcheon. 

The  "  Oneida  Communists  "  Are  essentially  polygamic,  although  they 
have  no  marriage  system.  They  do  not  maiTy,  and  ignore  all  marriage 
codes.  Cohabitation  is  under  no  restrictions  between  the  sexes.  Mar- 
riage is  also  not  observed  among  the  Shakers. 


the  complete  herbalist.  409 

Monogamy. 

This  is  the  conjugal  union  of  a  male  with  one  female  only.  We  have 
Been  that  monog-amy  was  co-equal  with  the  dawn  of  civilization,  and  that 
most  probably  the  majority  of  the  males  had  but  one  wife,  even  among 
polygamic  nations.  Universal  polygamy  is  practically  impossible,  the 
scarcity  of  females  and  the  poverty  of  the  males  forbidding  it.  The 
excess  of  females  is  not  so  great  in  any  country  as  to  allow  to  each  male 
more  than  one  wife,  except  the  male  portion  is  depleted  by  long  and 
disastrous  wars.  Monogamy  has  done  more  for  the  elevation  of  the  fe- 
male than  any  other  custom  of  civilization.  The  rich  could  only  afford 
to  practise  polygamy,  and  should  the  poor  imitate  the  example,  it  would 
necessarily  subject  the  wives  to  a  state  of  serfdom.  In  the  economy  of 
nature  it  is  designed  that  the  male  should  be  the  protector  of  the  female, 
and  that  by  his  exertions  the  provision  of  food  and  raiment  should  be 
secured.  In  polygamous  nations  the  female  has  not  attained  that  social 
state  that  she  has  reached  in  countries  where  the  male  is  entitled  to  but 
one  female  as  his  wife.  Woman's  highest  sphere  is  not  in  the  Harem  or 
the  Zetfani,  but  in  that  dignified  state  in  which  she  is  the  sole  connubial 
companion  of  but  one  man.  It  is  debasing  to  her  nature,  and  subver- 
sive of  her  dignity  in  the  rank  of  humanity,  to  make  her  the  equal  only 
with  others  in  the  marital  union  with  one  male.  She  becomes  only  the 
true,  noble,  and  affectionate  being  when  she  is  conscious  of  a  superiority 
to  others  in  the  connubial  companionship  with  her  accepted  one.  The 
female  of  birds  chirps  but  for  her  single  mate,  and  she  is  pugnaciously 
monogamic  as  well  as  virtuous,  allowing  neither  male  nor  female  at  or 
near  her  home.  The  spirit  of  independence  she  gains  by  being  the 
mate  of  but  one  male  gains  for  her  the  victoiy  over  the  intruders. 

The  physical  and  mental  welfare  of  the  female  is  also  dependent  upon 
monogamic  marriage.  I  have  demontrated  that  temperate  indulgence 
is  conducive  to  the  sanitary  condition  of  the  sexes,  and  that  absolute 
abstinence  is  opposed  to  the  designs  of  nature.  It  is  also  evident  that 
the  male  is  not  endowed  with  greater  power,  vigor  or  capacity  than 
the  female  ;  therefore,  confinement  or  limitation  of  the  congress  to  the 
companionship  of  one  male  with  one  female,  as  in  monogamic  marriage, 
gives  the  healthy  balance  to  the  marital  union.  The  polygamic  hus- 
band must  either  suffer  from  the  consequences  of  excessive  indulgence, 
or  his  wives  from  poverty  of  uxorial  gratification ;  probably  both  would 
be  the  case.  Polyandry  is  equally  as  proper  as  polygamy,  yet  it  never 
in  the  history  of  man  obtained  a  permanent  foothold.  The  female  is 
equally  capable,  if  not  more  so,  to  capacitate  more  husbands  than  one 
as  the  male  more  than  one  wife,  and  the  physical  deterioration  would 
not  be  greater.  The  system  is  more  logical  than  polygamy,  because 
her  dependence  would  be  distributed  between  two  or  more  husbands,  in 
18 


410  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

which  case  she  would  be  better  insured  against  poverty,  and  her  support 
would  be  guaranteed  by  greater  probability. 

We  have  now  described  the  histoiy  and  aspect  of  the  two  customs, 
and  will  conclude  this  subject  by  remarking  that  a  man  is  morally  and 
physically  entitled  to  but  one  wife,  and  that  a  plurality  is  a  great  wrong 
to  the  female,  and  in  total  opposition  to  the  ordinance  of  Nature. 
WTierever  polygamy  is  the  custom  the  female  is  held  in  slavish  subjec- 
tion. It  only  prospers  in  proportion  to  the  ignorance  of  the  sex.  Intel, 
ligent  and  civilized  woman  wUl  always  rebel  against  such  uxorial 
debasement  and  servitude. 

Mark r AGE  Customs. 

It  would  probably  be  interesting  to  many  to  describe  the  marriage 
ceremonies  observed  by  different  nations,  but  to  enter  into  a  descriptive 
detail  would  occupy  too  much  space.  It  is  sufficient  to  say  that  while 
8ome  waves  are  wooed  and  won,  others  are  bought  and  sold  ;  while  in 
some  countries  the  husband  brings  the  wife  to  his  home,  in  others,  as  in 
Formosa,  the  daughter  brings  her  husband  to  her  father's  house,  and  is 
considered  one  of  the  family,  while  the  sons,  upon  marriage,  leave  the 
family  forever.  In  civilized  countries  the  ceremonies  are  either  minis- 
terial or  magisterial,  and  are  more  or  less  religious  in  charactel",  while  ia 
others  less  civilized  the  gaining  of  a  wife  depends  ui)on  a  foot-race,  in 
which  the  female  has  the  start  of  one-third  the  distance  of  the  course, 
as  is  the  custom  in  Lapland.  In  Caffraria  the  lover  must  first  fight 
himself  into  the  affections  of  his  lady-love,  and  if  he  defeats  all  his 
rivals  she  becomes  his  wife  without  further  ceremony.  Among  the 
Congo  tribes  a  wife  is  taken  upon  trial  for  a  year,  and  if  not  suited  to 
the  standard  of  taste  of  the  husband  he  returns  her  to  her  parents.  In 
Persia  the  wife's  status  depends  upon  her  fniitfuLness  :  if  she  be  barren 
she  can  be  put  aside.  In  the  same  country  they  have  also  permanent 
marriages,  and  marriages  for  a  certain  period  only — the  latter  never 
allowed  to  exceed  ninety  years. 

In  fact  the  marriage  ceremonies  differ  nearly  in  all  coimtries.  Tc  us 
some  may  appear  very  absurd,  and  yet  our  customs  may  be  just  as 
amazing  to  them.  It  matters  but  little  how  a  conjugal  union  is  effected 
as  long  as  sanctioned  by  law  or  custom,  and  obligates  the  parties,  by 
common  opinion,  to  observe  the  duties  pertaining  to  married  life. 

The  Basis  of  a  Happy  Marriage. 

The  state  of  conjugal  union  should  be  the  happiest  in  the  whole  of 
the  existence  of  either  man  or  woman,  and  is  such  in  a  congenial  mar- 
riage. Yet  in  the  history  of  very  many  marriages  contentment  or  hap- 
piness is  palpal)ly  absent,  and  an  almost  insufferable  misery  is  the  heri- 
tage of  both  parties.     It  is  therefore  important  that  previous  to  the 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  411 

marital  union  tlie  parties  should  take  everything  in  consideration  that 
foreshadows  happiness  after  marriage,  as  well  as  everything  calculated 
to  despoil  conjugal  felicity. 

The  first  requisite  of  congenial  marriage  is  love.  Without  being  ce- 
mented by  this  element  the  conjugal  union  is  sure  to  be  uncongenial. 
It  is  the  strongest  bond,  the  firmest  cord,  uniting  two  hearts  inseparably 
together.  Love  for  the  opposite  sex  has  always  been  a  controlling 
influence  with  mankind.  It  is  the  most  elevating  of  all  the  emotions, 
and  the  purest  and  tenderest  of  all  sentiments.  It  exerts  a  wonderful 
power,  and  by  its  influence  the  grandest  human  actions  have  been 
achieved.  Of  what  infinite  worth  it  is  to  either  sex  to  be  compensated 
with  a  worthy  and  satisfying  love,  and  how  ennobling  to  the  impulses 
and  actions  it  is  to  bestow  the  sentiment  upon  one  worthy  to  receive  and 
willing  to  return. 

Love  is  only  given  to  that  which  we  admire  and  esteem.  The  man  who 
admires  the  shajiely  hand,  the  comely  figure,  the  pretty  foot,  the  hand- 
some features,  the  well-formed  waist,  etc.,  will  naturally  love  the 
woman  possessing  such  attractions.  The  Avoman  will  love  the  man  who 
favorably  approaches  her  standard  of  conception  as  to  manly  excellence 
and  beauty.  Others  admire  moral  purity,  vivacity  of  disposition, 
superior  talents,  genius,  etc.,  and  hence  natv-rally  will  love  the  pos- 
sessors. In  fact  this  proposition  is  founded  upon  a  law  of  mind  ;  loVe 
cannot  be  generated  by  forces  that  antagonize  our  ideals  of  esteem  and 
admiration.  The  love  that  engenders  matrimonial  hapi^iness  must  be 
reciprocal.  Reciprocity  of  love  will  naturally  induce  matriiuonial 
alliance.  It  should  not  be  inspired  by  a  passional  nature  only,  nor 
should  it  be  platonic  entirely,  but  the  two  intimately  blended  together 
wdll  render  the  love  one  of  adaptation,  and  secure  conjugal  placidity. 
The  love  that  is  created  in  us  by  the  Venus-like  form  of  the  female,  or 
Apollo-like  character  of  the  male,  is  not  that  love  that  alone  insures 
happiness,  the  moral  and  mental  nature  must  also  be  congenial.  Can- 
didates for  marriage  should  carefully  consult  themselves,  and  without 
ulterior  motives  ascertain  if  the  love  they  have  for  the  one  to  be  chosen 
or  accepted  is  adequate  to  compensate  the  yearning  of  this  sentiment. 
If  the  one  selected  has  all  the  characteristics  that  inspire  love,  that  will 
be  the  proper  one  to  marry.  Love  is  the  main-spring  that  regulates  the 
harmony  of  conjugal  life,  and  without  it  there  is  a  void  in  the  ma- 
chinery, productive  only  of  jars,  convulsive  movement,  and  a  grating 
and  inharmonious  action.  The  soul  yearns  for  love  and  to  love,  and 
unless  the  desire  is  compensated,  human  life  is  a  blank,  and  becomes  a 
purjioseless  existence.  Love  ever  stimulates  the  good  and  suppresses 
the  bad,  if  kept  in  a  proper  channel,  and  guided  by  pure  affections. 

Another  requisite  of  a  happy  marriage  is  health.  No  person  has  a  moral 
right  to  engage  in  wedlock  who  cannot  bring  to  his  partner  the  offering 


412  THK  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

of  good  health.  It  may  be  apparently  a  cruelty  to  the  consumptive  to 
deny  to  him  the  gratification  of  his  aifections  or  passions,  but  it  would 
be  a  greater  cruelty  to  encourage  him  or  her  in  a  step  the  consequences 
of  which  would  engender  anything  but  happiness.  Is  it  a  pleasing  thing 
to  contemplate  that  you  throw  upon  the  bosom  of  your  spouse  but  the 
body  of  an  invalid,  and  one  that  will  be  the  constant  object  of  care  and 
solicitation  on  the  part  of  either  husband  or  wife  ?  Is  it  consoling  to 
your  justness  that  you  can  but  offer  a  limited  period  of  your  life  to  the 
one  of  your  choice,  and  that  the  inevitable  consequences  of  your  affec- 
tion will  at  an  early  period  leave  but  one  at  the  hearthstone  ?  Is  it 
encouraging  to  know  that  the  offspring  of  your  union  will  in  all  proba- 
bility be  equally  tainted  as  yourself,  and  that  on  those  upon  whom  you 
conjointly  place  your  hopes  and  pride  are  destined  to  perhaps  an  early 
grave  ?  It  is  intrinsically  wrong  for  those  in  whom  the  taint  of  con- 
sumption, scrofula,  syjihilis,  insanity,  etc.,  to  marry,  unless  they  feel 
convinced  that  by  proper  medical  treatment  they  have  been  or  can  be 
thorougUy  cured.  Intermarriage  of  the  cachectic  would  be  far  more 
judicious  than  the  union  of  the  healthy  to  the  diseased.  Vigor  and 
debility  are  constitutional  opposites,  and  cannot  exist  together  in  the 
physical  economy,  and  the  marital  union  of  the  physically  healthy  to 
the  physically  unhealthy  does  also  produces  nothing  but  discoi'd  in  the 
economy  of  marital  existence.  , 

A  very  important  consideration  is  the  knowledge  of  what  marriage 
really  implies.  Ix,  obliges  the  encountering  of  duties  and  circumstances 
which  press  considerations  and  plans  of  life  upon  the  most  careless 
minds.  The  change  in  the  habit  and  manner  of  life,  the  divided  re- 
sponsibility, the  inexorable  demands  of  marital  duties  to  be  complied 
with,  and  various  other  matters  incident  to  wedded  association  should 
be  fully  pre-considered,  and  the  relation  assumed  only  after  thorough 
deliberation  and  satisfactory  self-examination.  It  is  the  duty  of  the 
eligible  of  either  sex  to  marry,  but  a  marital  alliance  should  be  consu- 
mated  intelligently,  not  thoughtlessly  or  ignorantly.  ''  Look  before 
you  leap,"  is  an  adage  that  has  profound  significance  in  its  application 
to  candidates  for  connubial  association.  If  an  error  is  made  in  selec- 
tion, scarcely  an  other  error  that  may  be  committed  by  man  or  woman 
is  so  diflicidt  of  rectification,  and  none  will  result  in  greater  misery, 
mental  anguish,  and  destruction  of  all  the  joys  of  life.  If,  on  the  con- 
trary, the  selection  or  acceptance  is  wisely  and  discreetly  made  on  both 
sides,  the  conjugal  pair  will  be  blest  with  all  the  earthly  joys  capable  of 
attainment. 

It  is  invariably  those  who  thoughtlessly  entered  into  marital  com- 
panionship that  make  mi.stakes.  They  shrink  befox\J  the  realities  inci- 
dent to  married  life  on  their  first  presentation,  simply  because  they 
never  dreamed,  much  less  thought,  that  such  exigencies  are  inevitable 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  413 

to  the  marital  sphere.  They  are  ignorant  of  the  duties  incumbent 
ujion  either  husband  or  wife,  hence  they  leave  them  unperformed  ; 
opportunities  for  ad%'ancement  are  not  improved  ;  neglect  becomes  the 
basis  of  action  with  only  one  possible  result — marital  infelicity.  If  we 
trace  the  cause,  we  find  that  in  the  majority  of  cases,  infelicity  is  owing 
to  neglect  in  the  performance  of  marital  duty ;  and  this  disregard  is 
ascribable  to  utter  ignorance  previous  to  marriage  of  the  duties  inherent 
to  the  marital  sphere ;  consequently,  as  soon  as  they  confront  the  wedded 
pair  they  are  not  met  with  a  fixed  determination  to  discharge  them  satis- 
factorily as  emergencies  will  admit,  but  are  shirked  and  postponed,  and 
finally,  when  the  necessity  for  action  becomes  absolute,  they  are  inade- 
quately performed ;  a  fault  which  is  sure  to  engender  dissatisfaction, 
petulance,  or  reproach  on  the  part  of  either  husband  or  wife. 

MaiTiage  implies  the  utter  abandonment  of  the  interests  and  advance- 
ment of  self  to  the  exclusion  of  the  other  marital  companion.  If  cir- 
cumspect, by  noting  marital  conduct  in  others,  a  fair  conception  of  mar- 
riage and  its  consequences  will  soon  be  known.  Then,  the  individual 
must  ask  himself,  or  herself :  Am  I  capable  and  willing  to  do  my  duty  ? 
Could  I  rise  superior  to  all  the  trials,  vexations,  and  perplexities  that 
present  themselves  to  those  in  marriage  ?  Would  I  never  weary  of  doing 
the  best  under  all  circumstances  ?  If  you  can  satisfactorily  answer  these 
and  others,  you  can  enter  fi.tly  and  nobly  into  the  marital  sphere. 

Another  consideration  is  evenness  of  temper.  In  the  wooing  days 
every  one  is  a  lamb,  and  only  becomes  the  howling  wolf  after  marriage. 
Circumstances  that  ruffle  the  temper  in  the  presence  of  the  intended 
are  but  like  the  harmless  squib,  but  woi;ld  become  like  the  explosive 
torpedo  in  his  or  her  absence,  or  in  after-marriage.  Quan-eUing  caused 
by  matrimonial  differences  is  the  most  frequent  cause  of  infelicity,  and 
most  of  them  are  caused  by  an  innate  irate  temper  of  either  the  husband 
or  wife.  Differences  that  would  be  amicably  adjusted  by  the  exercise 
of  a  little  reason  and  temperance  in  argument  or  judgment,  are  to  the 
irascible  the  subject  for  the  most  vehement  and  angry  logic,  and  the 
tiolution  is  inevitably  discord.  It  is  difficult,  I  acknowledge,  to  ascer- 
tain previously  the  mental  disposition  of  persons,  when  they  have 
occasion  to  conceal  the  defect  in  order  to  enhance  their  own  interest. 
It  is  quite  possible  that  Socrates,  when  he  wooed  the  lovely  Xanthippe, 
deemed  her  perfection,  called  her  his  "darling,"  his  "pet,"  his  "  angel," 
if  philoso])hers  ever  make  use  of  such  endearing  expressions.  Her  con- 
duct evidently  deceived  him  as  to  her  real  nature,  for  the  poor  old 
philosopher  was  egregiously  deceived  and  inexpressibly  tortured  in  his 
married  life  by  the  historically  renowned  virago  and  termagant.  "Love 
is  blind,"  but  its  eyes  should  not  be  blindly  closed  against  any  such 
imperfection  as  naturally  tends  to  destroy  wedded  bli.ss.  Careful 
/)bservatiou  in  a  variety  of  circumstances  wiU  often  disclose  the  real 


414  THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST. 

disposition,  and  the  mask  is  sometimes  unwittingly  let  fall,  so  that  you 
may  g-ain  a  cursory  glance  of  the  features,  which  if  uncomely,  should  be 
enough. 

The  tastes  should  not  be  dissimilar.  Some  of  them  may  be  unim- 
portant, but  others  are  a  fruitful  source  of  disagreement.  The  social 
■w-ife  will  never  be  contented  with  the  unsocial  husband,  and  the  gay 
husband,  though  his  gayety  may  not  be  commendable,  will  always 
accuse  his  wife  if  she  lacks  a  social  disposition  to  a  great  extent. 
The  religious  wife  will  never  excuse  a  tendency  to  irrcligion  in  her  hus- 
band, and  though  he  may  be  far  from  being  immoral,  she  is  unhappy  if 
he  does  not  participate  in  her  devotions.  The  one  devoted  to  children 
will  never  be  happy  with  one  having  a  natural  repugnance  for  them. 
In  this  way  we  might  multiply  facts  illustrative  of  the  importance  of  an 
investigation  into  the  similarity  of  taste,  previous  to  marriage.  Great 
love,  however,  overcomes  almost  every  obstacle. 

2%e  parties  should  be  nearly  of  one  age,  the  husband  should  be  the 
older.  The  union  of  the  old  husband  to  the  young  wife,  or  the  reverse, 
is  seldom  a  happy  one.  There  is  seldom  that  such  a  marriage  occurs  in 
which  the  incentive  is  not  the  wealth  of  either  of  the  parties.  The 
young  praft  on  the  old  tree  does  not  thrive  well,  the  vitality^required 
by  the  one  is  not  afforded  by  the  other.  The  magnetism  of  the  old  is 
not  suited  to  the  young,  and  there  never  can  be  a  concord  in  their  u^ion. 
It  is  a  law  of  nature  that  animals  of  like  age  should  only  mate  together. 
The  old  male  bird  does  not  mate  with  the  young  female  bird,  but  mat- 
ing always  occurs  between  those  of  the  same  year's  brood.  It  is  only  in 
their  domestication  that  they  lose  this  law  of  instinct,  and  it  is  only 
through  a  vice  of  civilization  that  marriages  between  the  old  and  young 
are  contracted,  in  opposition  to  the  original  design  of  marital  vmion. 
Such  marriages  are  but  seldom  the  result  of  a  mutual  love  ;  one  of  the 
party  is  sure  to  be  actuated  by  motives  other  than  the  one  of  conjugal 
hapi)iness,  and  the  union  is  usually  enforced  by  the  opportune  chance  of 
enhancement  in  respect  to  wealth  or  station  in  society.  The  progeny  of 
Buch  a  union  is  veiy  seldom  endowed  v.-ith  either  physical  or  mental 
vigor,  which  is  easily  accounted  for.  The  physiologist  knows  that  the 
mental  emotions  of  the  mother,  during  the  period  of  pregnancy,  is  very 
apt  to  affect  development  of  the  child  in  iitero,  either  favorably  or  im- 
favorably.  How,  then,  can  a  young  mother  be  actually  comfortable, 
how  can  her  emotions  be  elevated,  how  can  she  have  that  solicitude 
which  is  prompted  by  love,  if  she  bears  but  little  more  than  respect  for 
her  elderly  or  old  husband  ?  She  has  not  that  intense  solicitude  or  hope 
that  her  child  shall  be  all  that  is  excellent ;  she  has  not  that  incentive 
of  love  that  promiits  her  to  a  rcvory  of  desire  that  her  child  shall  be  all 
that  she  deems  noble  and  beautiful ;  her  conjugal  relation  is  not  calcu- 
lated to  inspire  her  highest  and  purest  emotions,  and  the  pride  of  her 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  415 

hnsband  is  not  great  enough  for  her  to  yearn  for  the  day  when  she  can 
present,  w-ith  all  the  joys  of  maternity,  an  heir  to  her  lord.  It  is,  there- 
fore, a  union  not  calculated  to  promote  domestic  contentment,  and  there 
must  be  in  the  heart  of  either  a  husband  or  wife  an  aching  void,  and  a 
longing  for  other  than  a  senile  embrace. 

There  are  other  considerations  to  be  viewed  before  a  union  is  effected. 
No  one  should  neglect  the  moral  character,  the  habits  of  frugality  and 
industry,  etc. ,  etc.  A  marriage  should  only  be  consummated  when  both 
of  the  parties  are  morally  certain  that  they  are  necessary  to  each  other's 
existence  ;  that  life  would  be  a  dreary  waste  wdthout  the  oasis  of  the 
loved  one  ;  that  the  intended  one  possesses  all  you  admire  and  esteem  ; 
and  that  the  journey  of  life  in  his  or  her  companionship  will  be  one  of 
serenity  and  happiness  ; — the  union  will  then,  by  the  endeavors  of  both, 
be  attended  by  all  the  joy,  contentment,  and  happiness  that  it  is  in  the 
power  of  mortals  to  obtain  here  below. 

I  cannot  more  appropriately  close  this  subject  than  by  quoting  an  ab- 
Btract  from  a  well-known  author,  who  presents  his  case  in  full  color,  but 
it  exposes  the  undercurrent  that  leads  to  the  marriage-tie  only  too  truth- 
fully. He  asks:  "  WTio  dared  first  to  say  that  maniages  are  made  La 
heaven  ?  We  know  that  there  are  not  only  blunders  but  roguery  in  the 
marriage-oflBce.  Do  not  mistakes  occur  every  day,  and  are  not  the 
wrong  people  coupled  ?  Had  heaven  anything  to  do  with  the  bargain 
by  which  young  Miss  Blushrose  was  sold  to  old  Mr.  Hoarfrost  ?  Did 
heaven  order  young  Bliss  Fripjjer  to  throw  over  poor  Tom  Spooner,  and 
marry  the  wealthy  Mr.  Bung  ?  You  may  as  well  say  that  horses  are 
sold  in  heaven,  which,  as  you  know,  are  groomed,  are  doctored,  are 
chanted  on  the  market,  and  warranted  by  dexterous  horse-venders  as 
possessing  every  quality  of  blood,  pace,  temper,  and  age.  Against  these 
Mr.  Greenhorn  has  his  remedy  sometimes  ;  but  against  a  mother  who 
Bells  a  warranted  daughter  what  remedy  is  there  ?  You  have  been 
jockeyed  by  false  representations  into  bidding  for  the  Cecilia,  and  the 
animal  is  yours  for  life.  She  shys,  kicks,  stumbles,  has  an  infernal  tem- 
per, is  a  crib-biter,  and  she  is  warranted  to  you  by  her  mother  as  the 
most  perfect,  good-tempered  creature,  whom  the  most  timid  could  man' 
age  !  You  have  boiight  her.  She  is  yours.  Heaven  bless  you  !  Take 
her  home,  and  be  miserable  for  the  rest  of  your  days.  You  have  no 
redress.  You  have  done  the  deed.  Marriages  were  made  in  heaven, 
you  know  ;  and  in  yours  you  were  as  much  sold  as  Moses  Primrose  waa 
when  he  bought  the  gross  of  green  spectacles. " 

Marriages  are  usually  contracted  to  gratify  various  desires,  as  love, 
fortune,  or  position.  The  results  are  most  truthfully  stated  by  an  emi- 
nent divine  in  the  following  passages  : — 

"  Who  marries  for  love,  takes  a  wife  ;  who  marries  for  fortune,  takes 
a  mistress ;  who  marries  for  position,  takes  a  lady.     You  are  loved  by 


416  THE    COMPLETE    HEnBALIST. 

your  wife,  regarded  hj  your  mistress,  tolerated  by  your  lady.  You 
have  a  ^v^fe  for  yourself,  a  mistress  for  your  house  and  friends,  a  lady 
for  the  world  and  society.  Your  wife  will  agree  with  you,  your  mistress 
will  rule  you,  your  lady  will  manage  you.  Your  wife  will  take  care  of 
your  household,  your  mistress  of  your  house,  yoiir  lady  of  your  appear- 
ances. If  you  are  sick,  your  wife  will  nurse  you,  your  mistress  will  visit 
you,  your  lady  will  inquire  after  your  health.  You  take  a  walk  with 
your  wife,  a  ride  \vith  yovir  mistress,  and  go  to  a  party  with  your  lady. 
Your  wife  will  share  your  grief,  your  mistress  your  money,  and  your 
lady  your  debts.  If  you  die,  your  wife  will  weep,  your  mistress  lament, 
and  your  lady  wear  mourning.     Which  will  you  have  ?  " 

To  man  there  is  but  one  choice  that  he  can  rationally  make,  a  mar- 
riage of  love.  My  female  readers,  I  hope,  will  also  decide  rather  to  wed 
a  husband  than  the  master  or  the  elegant  gentleman. 

A  little  foresight,  a  little  prudence,  and  a  little  caution,  will  prevent 
in  most  cases  the  entrance  into  a  marriage  which,  by  the  very  nature  of 
the  alliance,  is  certain  to  be  an  unhappy  and  improper  one. 

Married  Life. 

Two  sparrows,  votaries  of  Love,  They  both  were  prisoned  in  a  C^ge ; 

The  Mars  and  Venus  of  the  prove,  Where — much  I  grieve  the  tale  tQtell — 

Had  been  for  years  such  constant  mates.  A  sorry  scandal  now  befell ;  -N 

■i'ou  would  have  sworn  the  very  Fates  They  scold,  recrimmate  and  fight,         ' 

Were!  impotent  to  break  the  bond.  Like  arrant  foes,  from  morn  till  night  jl 

That  joined  a  pair  so  true  and  fond ;  Until,  at  length,  the  wretched  birds 

Together  still  they  sought  their  food ;  In  cruel  acts  and  bitter  words 

Together  piayed  in  field  and  wood ;  The  very  furies  emulate — 

Together  built  the  cosy  nest  And  all  their  love  is  turned  to  hate  I 
That  served  for  shelter  and  for  rest ; 
Together  fought  the  feathered  foes 
With  whom  they  came  to  words  and  blows ;       Full  many  a  couple  come  to  strife 

In  fine,  they  lived  as  lovers  ought,  And  hatred  m  connubial  life. 

Without  a  single  selfish  thought,  Whose  days  of  courtship  promised  fair 

Rave  such  as  might  concern  the  twain,  As  tliose  of  this  unhappy  pair ; 

Their  mutual  joy  or  mutual  pain.  But,  like  the  sijarrows  in  my  tale. 

At  last,  one  day,  they  chanced  to  get  When  trouble  comes  their  tempers  fail  j 

Tlieir  feet  entangled  in  a  net,  They  blame  each  other  for  the  fate 

(A  vagrant  boy  had  spread  the  stiare  Which  both  should  strive  to  mitigate, 

To  catch  and  keep  the  pretty  pair !)  With  patience  helping  to  endure 

And  soon,  desi)ite  their  noisy  rage,  The  ills  that  kindness  fails  to  cure ! 

"WTiat  an  interesting  lesson  is  contained  in  the  above — a  lesson  that 
should  be  well  conned  and  thoroughly  learned  by  every  married  couple 
for  practical  use  and  guidance. 

The  physician,  in  his  ailvices  as  to  the  conduct  that  should  be  observed 
by  the  husbaud  and  wife,  is  more  properly  confined  to  physiological 
aspects,  but  an  the  behavior  in  every  respect  is  so  intimately  blended,  it 
is  not  amLss,  iu  a  medical  work,  tu  utute  what  the  conduct  should  be  in 


L' ENVOI. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


417 


gener.al.  TJnliappmess  in  wedded  life  is  the  result  frequently  of  a  cou- 
ple being'  joined  who  should  not  on  any  account  have  been  thrown  into 
marital  companionship.  It  is  found  that  they  are  uncongenial  in  every 
respect,  and  hence  the  natural  and  inevitable  result  is  dissension  and  a 
mutual  regret  of  marriage.  The  pharmaceutist  knows  that  if  a  chemi- 
cal element  is  incompatible  in  a  mixture  that  no  amount  of  shaking, 
trituration,  or  commotion  that  he  may  produce  will  make  the  contrary 
element  act  affinitively  ;  on  the  contrary,  the  more  violent  his  endeavors 
the  more  the  incompatibility  is  manifested.  It  is  precisely  so  in  the 
union  of  the  man  and  woman  who  are  by  nature  and  purposes  of  life 
incompatible.  Discord  is  evident  at  the  first  contact,  which  in  time  in- 
creases to  ebullitions  and  explosions  of  temper,  and  the  more  they 
attempt  to  reconcile  their  differences  the  greater  they  become  ;  the 
affections  are  destroyed,  and  each  one  becomes  conscious  that  they  have 
made  the  greatest  mistake  of  their  lives.  Each  blames  their  misfortune 
to  the  other  when  both  are  to  blame,  not  so  much  on  account  of  their 
combativeness,  as  that  is  but  a  law  of  their  nature,  but  because  neither 
of  them  had  the  wisdom  to  abstain  from  entering  into  the  marital  rela- 
tion. It  is,  of  course,  commendable  that  both  should  be  desirous  of 
making  the  best  of  their  union,  and  that  each  should  display  prudence 
in  their  conduct,  but  in  the  face  of  all  their  endeavors  the  galling  fact 
of  incompatibility  is  ever  present,  and  no  amount  of  the  best  efforts  will 
make  the  union  a  happy  one.  If  children  are  born  to  them  they  will 
in  all  probability  be  of  a  vicious  nature,  lacking  in  aU  the  noble  qiiali- 
ties,  and  who,  l)om  with  the  innate  disposition,  and  reared  and  schooled 
in  the  midst  of  family  discord,  wiU  almost  inevitably  "go  to  the  bad," 
thus  adding  materially  to  the  general  misery  of  the  parents,  both  of 
whom  are  ready  and  honest  in  their  beUef  and  averment  that  the  dis- 
position of  the  children  is  the  heritage  from  the  other.  It  is  unfortunate 
that  such  marriages  are  consummated,  for  the  diversity  in  all  the  actions 
and  purposes  of  life  naturally  manifested  by  both  is  too  great  to  be 
reconciled  by  the  most  earnest  exercise  of  either  prudence  or  forbear- 
ance. Such  a  union  has  always  been,  and  will  always  be,  an  unhappy 
one,  and  the  best  endeavors  will  scarcely  make  it  tolerable.  It  may  be 
jjoetical  to  say  that  such  a  man  and  woman  are  one,  but  they  are  deci- 
dedly two  on  all  subjects  and  conditions  of  married  life. 

It  is  not  to  be  supposed,  however,  that  every  infelicitous  episode  in 
married  life  is  to  be  ascribed  to  incompatibility.  The  turbulence  in 
many  cases  is  owing  to  decided  misconduct  on  the  part  of  either  husband 
or  wife.  Many  unions  would  be  very  happy  if  but  a  generous  effort 
would  be  made  to  render  it  so  ;  but  if  either  one  is  actuated  by  a  spirit 
in  opposition  to  mutual  confidence,  mutual  welfare,  and  mutual  enjoy- 
ment, it  will  either  create  a  slavish  submission  on  the  part  of  one,  or 
the  assertion  of  mutual  equality.  In  both  cases  the  result  is  detri- 
18*  2b 


418  THE   COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

mental  to  conjug-al  bliss.  A  tame  submission  begets  disrespect,  and  the 
assertion  of  the  right  generates  the  "family  jar."  In  the  social  and 
commercial  intercourse  of  man  and  wife,  mutual  coniidence,  mutual 
endeavor,  and  mutual  benefit  should  be  the  objective  point.  Conceal- 
ment of  purpose  is  as  wrong  as  deception  in  action,  and  neither  should 
be  for  a  moment  entertained.  The  wife  should  be  the  possessor  of  the 
husband's  secrets,  and  the  husband  the  custodian  of  the  wife's  confi- 
dences. To  be  actuated  by  secrecy  either  in  intent  or  action  is  nothing 
more  than  duplicity,  and  an  attitude  in  entire  opposition  to  the  spirit 
of  wedded  life ;  but,  while  the  author  in  every  instance  advocates  an 
open  and  candid  intercourse  between  the  husband  and  wife,  he  can 
only  hurl  anathemas  upon  the  one  who  betrays  the  confidence.  To  be 
worthy  of  confidence,  and  to  be  entrusted  with  secrets,  demands  the 
fidelity  that  wiU  not  betray  the  one  or  divulge  the  other.  Deception  on 
the  part  of  either  husband  or  wife  will,  in  spite  of  all  attempts  at  con- 
cealment, often  be  detected,  causing  justly  indignation  and  lo-ss  of  re- 
spect. It  is  an  evidence  that  the  one  to  whom  everything  should  be 
confided  is  deemed  unworthy  of  trust,  and  it  puts  at  an  end  that  har- 
mony and  confidence  that  should  exist. 

Married  couples  should  most  carefully  husband  their  affections  for 
each  other.  It  is  a  most  deplorable  fact,  that  the  love  between  many 
too  soon  loses  its  fervor.  This  loss  is  not  due  to  familiarity,  nor  is  it  a 
natural  result  of  daily  association ;  but  decidedly  the  effect  of  a  repre- 
hensible disregard  of  a  mutual  endeavor  to  maintain  it.  We  love  only  that 
which  is  lovely  ;  and  the  person  who  makes  himself  lovely  will  be  loved. 
It  is  more  frequently  the  case  that  the  wife  loses  her  husband's  affections 
than  the  reverse.  This  is  not  so  much  the  result  of  the  inferior  affection- 
ate nature  of  man  as  it  is  of  neglect  and  imprudence  on  the  part  of  woman. 
Women,  if  they  would  rule  men's  hearts,  must  deserve  and  unwittingly 
exact  the  approval  and  admiration  of  their  minds.  Her  variability  of  tem- 
per is  most  unfortunate.  It  goes  up  like  a  rocket  and  comes  down  like  an 
aerolite  ;  a  miracle  of  .smiles  or  weeping  Niobe,  a  driving  tempest  or  a  flash- 
ing sunbeam.  A  never-varying,  bland,  lullaby-sort  of  temperament  is 
most  deplorable ;  sparkle,  buoyancy,  and  even  an  irrepressible  dash  of  fun, 
now  and  then,  are  most  healthful  and  appetizing ;  but  mere  feminine  diplo- 
macy should  forbid  the  not  unfrequcut  dovetailing  of  winsome  caresses 
and  childish  poutings  on  the  part  of  the  \viie,  and  so  should  the  whimsictd 
interi)Iay  of  foolish  indulgence  and  churlish  neglect  on  the  part  of  the  hus- 
band be  abandoned.  Principle,  not  caprice,  should  be  the  energizing  and 
controlling  motive.  The  most  charming  views  of  wedded  life  are  to  T)e 
taken  from  the  higher  mounts  of  vision — those  of  settled  design  and 
steady  purjjose.  There  must,  of  course,  be  miitual  concessions  and  mu- 
tuiJ  agreements  to  disagree.  There  is  a  way  to  win  by  commanding, 
and  a  way  to  com  maud  by  wiuning.     By  the  wise  interblendiug  of  self- 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  419 

centred  strength,  and  a  prodigal  wifely  affection,  she  may  achieve  mar- 
vels of  wifely  management.  The  husband  may  unconsciously  lead  ;  but 
never  essay  to  drive.  At  the  same  time,  we  are  frank  enough  to  con- 
fess that  there  are  too  many  women  who  need  the  flaming  sword  of  an 
archangel  to  awe  and  repress  them.  There  is  no  such  thing  as  conquer- 
ing them  by  love  ;  as  well  prate  of  love  to  a  blackbird.  But  if  kindness 
fails,  severity  will  fail  aU  the  more  surely.  Flies  stiU  continue  to  take 
more  kindly  to  molasses  than  to  vinegar.  If  they  but  knew  how  a 
cheerful  temper,  joined  with  innocence,  wUl  make  their  beauty  more 
attractive,  knowledge  more  delightful,  and  wit  more  good-natured, 
they  surely  would  endeavor  to  cultivate  and  cherish  it.  It  is  an  un- 
questioned fact  that  too  many  wives  neglect  the  most  important  ele- 
ments of  wifely  conduct. 

To  her  is  entrusted  the  care  and  management  of  the  home— if  it  ia 
agreeable,  it  is  her  work,  if  it  is  attractive,  it  is  to  her  credit  alone  that 
it  should  be  ascribed.  If  the  home  is  not  a  cheery  place,  it  is  because 
she  does  not  render  it  so.  It  is  not  requisite  that  elegance  and  luxury 
— that  only  wealth  can  procure — should  characterize  it;  cleanliness, 
order,  and,  above  all,  her  bright,  sunny  smiles,  and  cheerful  company, 
adorn  it  more  than  the  richest  household  furniture.  The  atmosphere  of 
the  home  must  not  be  darkened  by  the  clouds  of  discontent,  perplexity  or 
anger,  but  lit  up  by  the  effulgence  of  social  conviviality,  good-nature, 
and  buoyancy  of  spirit.  The  husband  coming  from  his  daily  task  must, 
in  return  for  the  bright  smiles  of  the  wife  and  children  that  welcome 
him  home,  throw  aside  all  cares  of  business,  and  devote  himself  to  their 
enjoyment.  It  will  put  a  new  life  in  him  as  well  as  in  his  wife  and 
children.  If  exhausted  and  fatigued,  or  if  his  mental  energies  have 
been  overtaxed,  he  must  not  thrust  the  fact  too  forcibly  upon  his 
family,  but  on  the  contrary  bring  freshness  and  buoyancy  of  spirit  into 
the  family  circle.  He  must  not  recuperate  his  energies  at  the  expense 
of  the  vitality  of  his  wife  and  little  ones.  The  wife  should  also  as  early 
as  possible  disi)ense  with  household  duties,  and,  until  the  retiring  hour, 
be  ever  ready  to  engage  in  that  social  communion,  which  is  so  healthful, 
and  so  conducive  to  happiness  of  married  life.  But  how  frequently  is 
it  the  case  that  the  weary  husband,  who  would  gladly  engage  in  that 
relaxation  afforded  by  domestic  conference  in  pLiy,  reading,  etc.,  is 
only  beguiled  by  the  din  of  pots  and  kettles,  the  clatter  of  dishes,  the 
music  of  a  wash-tub,  etc.,  in  the  kitchen,  which  often  is  incessant,  until 
the  poor  husband,  desirous  of  social  comforts,  but  weary  of  waiting  foi 
them,  goes  to  bed  with  nothing  to  lull  him  to  sleep  but  the  confused 
noises  that  come  from  the  kitchen,  made  by  his  bu.sy  and  industrious, 
but  indiscreet  spouse.  We  would  not  deprecate  industry  on  the  part  of 
the  wife.  We  well  know  that  many  a  wife,  whose  household  duties  and 
personal  attention  to  the  children  absorb  most  of  her  time,  can  find  but 


420  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

little  opportunity  to  eng-ag:e  in  recreation  or  social  enjoyment,  but  wliile 
we  admire  thrift,  coupled  with  industrious  habits,  we  cannot  but  deplore 
the  state  which  robs  from  her  the  best  energies,  instead  of  applying 
some,  at  least,  upon  the  effort  to  render  the  atmosphere  of  the  home, 
not  one  of  incessant  labor  only,  but  also  one  that  is  brightened  and 
rendered  cheerful  by  the  relaxation  afforded  by  an  occasional  leisure 
hour,  in  which  the  man,  wife,  and  children  are  brought  in  contact,  and 
stimulated  and  refreshed  by  social  concourse.  As  well  might  the  hus- 
band file  his  saws,  grind  his  axes,  and  chop  his  wood  at  the  same  time, 
as  the  wife  to  be  continuously  drawn  from  his  presence  by  the  labor  of 
the  home.  It  is,  we  know,  not  a  pleasing  contrast,  to  compare  a  thrifty 
and  industrious  wife  with  one  who  is  indolent  and  careless,  but  we  only 
argue  for  a  limit,  as  we  know  that  matrimonial  happiness,  health,  and 
noble  qualities  of  children  are  dependent  in  a  great  measure  upon  en- 
livened social  intercourse  in  the  family.  We  would  have  no  wife  merit 
the  exclamation  of  "  JIow  shiftless/"  from  an  Aunt  Priscilla,  but  they 
must  not  be  so  busy  either,  that  her  husband  has  in  her  no  social  com- 
panion. Such  wives  cannot  much  blame  their  husbands  if  they  seek 
social  pastime  in  the  club,  in  the  inn,  or  even  in  his  neighbor's  house, 
where  Mrs.  Sparkle  makes  everything  so  pleasant.  It  is  the  duty*  of  the 
husband,  whenever  possible,  to  give  his  leisure  hours  to  the%  com- 
panionship of  his  wife  and  children,  but  it  is  also  a  duty  that  the  wife 
so  arranges  everything  that  they  can  not  only  be  passed  tolerably  but 
agreeably.  It  should  be  the  effort  of  both  husband  and  wife  to  make 
the  home  the  dearest  place  on  earth  to  them,  and  when  that  is  accom- 
plished, connul)ial  happiness  is  certainly  achieved.  It  is  often  that  the 
best-meant  efforts  are  fruitless,  simply  because  they  are  driven  in  the 
wrong  direction,  and  the  disappointment  occurring  in  consequence  of 
misajipliod  energy  is  full  hard  to  bear ;  but  if  the  married  man  or 
woman  would  studj'  the  wants  and  desires  of  their  consorts  a  little  more, 
and  niake  earnest  effort  to  supply  them,  the  apple  of  discord  woula  not 
be  eaten  in  so  many  instances. 

I  cannot  two  strongly  impress  the  importance  of  fidelity.  Could  I  have 
but  one  word  of  advice  to  give  to  the  conjugal  jiair,  I  would  say  :  —  ^'  Be 
true  to  each  otJicry  Disloyalty  in  the  marriage  bond  is  the  cause  of  in- 
finite trouble,  misery,  and  ruin.  It  is  the  rock  upon  whose  ugly  and 
jagged  contour  lie  the  wrecks  of  numberless  matrimonial  vessels.  Fi- 
delity is  the  rudder  that  guides  the  bark  safely  through  the  course,  let 
adversity  aiid  all  else  assail  her,  as  long  as  not  without  her  rudder,  she 
will  out-ride  the  storms,  and  glide  triumphantly  and  peacefully  along  in 
smooth  water.  Disloyalty  pitches  her  at  once  into  the  breakers,  where 
she  will  pitch  and  toss,  heave  and  thump,  and  should  she  even  escape, 
it  is  only  at  the  expense  of  important  appanages,  and  most  frequently 
the  btist  directed  efforts  will  not  save  her  from  uttiir  ruia. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  421 

It  is  not  only  the  duty  of  physicians,  but  of  every  one  who  has  the 
welfare  of  society  at  heart,  to  jiut  their  voices  against  the  doctrine  of 
"free  love,"  which  has  of  late  been  promulgated  and  defended  by  cer- 
tain persons  who  wish  to  make  it  a  matter  of  creed  or  principle  of  so- 
ciety. It  is  to  the  shame  of  the  sex  that  the  majority  of  its  adherents 
are  women,  in  whom  virtue  is  supposed  to  have  its  staunchest  defenders 
and  supporters.  It  is  not  ostensibly  advanced  in  advocacy  of  unre- 
straint in  cohabitation,  but  if  thoroughly  analyzed,  its  objective  prin- 
ciple amounts  to  the  same.  It  is  a  scortatory  love  at  best,  and  its 
tendency  is  to  give  still  greater  laxity  to  the  morals  of  society.  It  is 
veiled  under  the  sophistical  dogma  that  every  woman,  if  she  desires  to 
become  a  mother,  should  be  privileged  to  select  her  own  male  to  be  the 
father,  and  that  every  man  should  be  licensed  to  choose  the  woman  he 
desires  to  be  the  mother  of  his  progeny.  This,  they  advocate,  would 
insure  higher  development  of  the  race,  and  that  mankind  would  soon  be 
superior  in  intellectual,  moral,  and  physical  qualifications.  The  fact  ia 
undeniable  that  a  superior  offspring  would  be  the  result,  if  the  most 
eligible  individuals  would  copulatively  unite,  but  it  could  never  be  ac- 
complished by  licensed  libertinism.  It  can  only  be  gained  by  ju- 
dicious marriage,  and  in  no  other  way.  If  the  doctrine  of  unrestraint 
they  promulgate  is  best  adapted  to  promote  higher  development  of 
offspring,  it  would  naturally  be  exemplified  in  the  issue  of  those  who 
^' loved  not  wisely^  but  too  weU,^^  or  in  those  of  the  lowest  grades  of  so- 
ciety or  savage  races,  where  chastity  is  unknown  as  a  virtue.  All  the 
principles  of  free  love  characterize  such  an  intercourse ;  but  it  has  yet 
to  be  ascertained  whether  such  progeny  are  in  any  respect  sviperior  ;  on 
the  contrary,  it  is  quite  probable  that  they  are  in  many  respects  inferior. 
This  may  be,  however,  accounted  for  by  the  mental  emotions  of  the 
mother,  which  are  naturally  caused  by  grief,  fear,  shame,  etc.  If,  even, 
such  unfavorable  mental  emotions  could  be  removed  by  sanction  from 
society  for  such  issue,  the  case  would  not  be  modified  to  a  more  favor- 
able extent  than  is  now  possible  by  legitimization  of  offspring  by  mar- 
riage. They  also  prate  of  ' '  affinities  "  and  spiritual  attraction  ;  but  let 
the  candid  and  virtuous  mind  investigate  the  full  import  of  these  co- 
hesions, he  will  find  that  the  spirit  of  attraction  is  the  cohesive  power 
of  gratification  of  the  animal  passions.  The  hideous  form  of  lechery  is 
veiled  with  but  the  thinnest  gauze  ;  and  disguise  it  as  they  will,  they 
cannot  hide  the  fact  that  it  is  lewdness,  and  not  virtue,  which  they  at- 
tempt to  honor.  The  doctrine,  if  philosophically  reviewed,  presents  no 
advantages  over  marriage,  but  is  one  pregnant  with  defects  and  im- 
moralities, and  if  carried  into  effect  would  unmistakably  prove  itself 
to  be  the  death-blow  to  morality  and  civilization.  The  barrier  to  pro- 
miscuity is  to  be  made  even  more  impregnable,  and  the  sacred  precinct 
of  the  prerogative  legitimatized  by  marriage  is  not  to  be  over-stepped 


422  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

by  the  husband  or  suffered  to  be  invaded  by  the  wife.  Lechery  has 
never  been,  nor  can  never  become  a  standard  principle  of  moral  philoso- 
phy, and  "  free  love  "  is  but  its  synonym. 

Is  it  a  consoling  picture  to  those  with  whom  moral  rectitude  is  a  car- 
dinal principle  to  see  disloyalty  to  the  marriag-e-tie  openly  and  shame- 
lessly displayed  ?  Is  it  ennobling  to  man's  moral  nature  to  cut  loose  the 
shackles  put  upon  him  by  a  well-organized  society  with  regard  to  his 
conduct  in  amorous  matters  ?  Can  it  be  justified  by  the  most  liberal 
views  of  right  and  wrong  ?  Unalterably,  no  ;  the  man  who  comes  to 
the  abode  of  his  wife,  with  his  lips  tainted  by  contact  with  others,  and 
yet  excited  by  an  unlawful  orgasm,  commits  the  greatest  offence  against 
his  wife,  against  nature,  and  against  high  heaven.  The  wife  who  re- 
ceives the  embraces  of  an  unsuspecting  husband,  while  at  the  same 
time  she  is  guilty  of  illicit  dealings  with  others,  is  worse  than  the  lowest 
prostitute,  and  is  entitled  to  no  sympathy  or  condonement.  It  is  only 
by  the  most  scrupulous  adherence  to  the  loyalty  that  should  be  observed 
by  man  and  wife,  that  marital  happiness  is  to  be  gained  or  maintained ; 
Infringement  is  the  element  of  its  decay  and  destruction. 

Jealousy  is  one  of  the  most  common  visitors  at  the  hearth  of  a  family 
and  is  a  great  destroyer  of  its  peace.  Entertained  to  a  moderate  de- 
gree it  is  quite  natural,  but  when  it  becomes  a  morbid  feeling,  it  is 
M^orthy  of  severe  denunciation.  The  exhibition  of  slight  jealousv  is  an 
unerring  manifestation  of  love,  and  should  be  accepted  as  such  by  either 
man  or  wife.  We  are  jealous  of  what  we  love,  and  unconcerned  only 
about  that  which  we  do  not  appreciate,  therefore  a  certain  degree  of 
jealousy  entertained  by  the  husband  or  wife  in  respect  to  each  other 
should  be  elevating  to  their  pride,  respectively,  and  not  condemned  as  a 
sickly  sentimentality.  It  is  only  when  it  becomes  a  ruling  passion  that 
it  exerts  mischief  and  discord.  "WTien  it  is  so  morbid  that  it  becomes  a 
matter  of  dislike  and  reproach  for  the  husband  to  bestow  but  the  ordi- 
nary civilities  of  social  intercourse  to  the  opposite  sex,  or  for  the  wife 
to  receive  them,  it  amounts  to  but  little  more  than  insanity.  If  the 
wife  is  so  jealous  as  to  impugn  all  the  motives  of  the  husband,  th.at  he 
dare  not  even  look  askance  at  any  other  woman,  that  to  speak  with 
other  women  subject  him  to  one  of  those  infinitely  pleasant  curtain-lec- 
tures, and  his  personal  liberty  denied  to  him  with  regard  to  social  in-' 
tercourse,  it  is  then  that  it  becomes  disruptive  to  marital  felicity ;  for 
the  husband,  if  erring  though  he  be,  wHl  surely  chafe  under  the  injus- 
tice which  she  will  be  sure  to  commit.  On  the  other  hand,  the  jeaious 
husband  is  just  as  extravagant  in  his  folly,  and  instead  of  guarding  his 
wife's  love,  takes  the  best  means  of  repelling  it.  Confidence,  not  suspi- 
cion, shduld  be  the  controlling  motive,  and  its  mutual  entertauament" 
should  not  be  disregarded  until  the  most  indubitable  i)roofs  are  presented 
to  guai-auteo  a  disbeUei  of  the  partner's  honor.     Then,   if  you  have 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  423 

bombshells,  set  them  off ;  but  even  then,  I  think,  it  would  comport 
more  with  reason  and  dignity,  if  the  error  could  be  calmly  adjudicated, 
and  if  that  is  impossible,  a  quiet  and  dignified  separation  is  unquestion- 
ably the  best  course.  Reproach,  recrimination,  and  parade  of  the  cause 
of  disruption  before  the  public  are  by  no  means  a  philosophic  action,  or 
part  of  an  honorable  conduct.  It  is  so  with  all  matrimonial  differences, 
they  should  not  be  made  public  property,  for  they  will  surely  become 
disgusting  scandal  before  the  scandal-loving  people,  to  be  found  in  every 
community,  are  done  with  them.  It  will  receive  such  additions,  and 
will  be  so  manipulated  and  distorted,  that,  which  at  its  fountain-head 
was  but  a  peccadillo,  will  at  its  terminus  be  magnified  into  the  greatest 
crime.  What  was  at  first  but  a  slight  immorality,  is  sure  to  become  at 
the  end  the  grossest  violation  of  decency.  If  Mr.  John  Smith  in  a  play- 
ful moment  is  found  to  kiss  ]\Irs.  Sarah  Jones,  the  critics  of  society 
will  wink  and  blink,  they  will  hem  and  haw,  look  wise,  toss  their  heads 
superciliously,  and  before  they  have  ceased  their  comments,  there  will 
be  no  doubt  in  their  minds  but  that  Mr.  Smith  and  Mrs.  Jones  were 
found  in  flagrante  delicto.  Finally,  when  the  scandal  has  assumed  ita 
worst  aspect,  some  order-loving  Christian  (!)  will  with  considerable  em- 
bellishment acquaint  Mrs.  Smith  of  her  husband's  crime.,  and  Mr.  Jones 
of  his  wife's  stVis,  and  then  comes  the  sequel.  The  fact  would  scarcely 
produce  a  ruffle,  at  best  but  a  gentle  breeze,  but  the  monster  created  by 
scandal  produces  the  commotion  of  a  tornado.  Then  these  vampires 
who  feed  upon  the  peace  and  reputation  of  society  are  satisfied,  but 
they  at  all  times  go  round  like  "  roaring  lions  seeking  whom  they  may 
devour."  It  is  to  these  scandal-mongers  that  matrimonial  infelicity  is 
often  due,  from  the  fact  that  a  husband  or  a  wife  may  be  guided  by 
their  opinion  rather  than  to  rely  implicitly  upon  each  other's  honor.  If 
respect  is  shown  to  scandal  connubial  peace  is  at  a  discount.  The  only 
way  to  circumvent  it,  is  to  isolate  adjustment  of  differences  to  the  fami- 
ly circle,  and  not  allow  it  to  be  the  property  of  the  unconcerned.  The 
advice  of  disinterested  and  honorable  people  may  at  times  be  very  ser- 
viceable, and  not  to  be  disregarded,  but  to  array  any  or  every  matri- 
monial variance  before  the  public  for  their  comments  is  reprehensibly 
imprudent  and  foolish. 

It  is,  however,  not  to  be  understood  that  selfishness  should  extend  to 
social  intercourse  with  the  neighbors,  for  next  to  an  affectionate  family 
an  agreeable  neighborhood  and  good  society  become  objects  of  desire, 
because  calculated  to  create  happiness.  As  far  as  friendship  is  not 
abused  it  should  be  freely  given  to  the  neighbors,  and  it  should  be  the 
endeavor  of  every  one  to  make  the  relations  of  a  neighborhood  of  a 
most  friendly  and  accommodating  character.  How  consoling  it  is  to  the 
bride,  who  leaves  the  bosom  of  her  own  family  and  accompanies  her 
husband  to  a  locality  where  ail  are  strangers,  to  find  in  her  new  home 


424  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST, 

neighbors  who  manifest  a  friendly  spirit,  and  are  willing  to  extend  cor- 
dial greetings  to  the  stranger.  She  is  at  once  set  at  ease.  The  duty  that 
famUies  owe  to  society  is  only  second  in  importance  to  the  duty  that 
husband  and  wife  owe  to  each  other,  and  domestic  happmess  is  not 
complete  unless  its  social  surroundings  are  congenial  and  agreeable. 
An  ascetic  married  life  is  abusive  of  the  order  of  nature. 

The  coujngal  pair  shoiUd  m  reality  be  Jidpviates.     They  should  (to 
nse  a  liomely  phrase)  puU  in  one  direction,  and,  if  the  direction  is  proper 
and  right,  pull  together.     The  combination  of  similar  forces  has  a  .two- 
fold effect,  but  forces  opposed  to  each  other  weakens  one  and  annuls 
the  other,  or  brings  them  both  to  a  quietus.     This  simple  law  of  physics 
is  peculiarly  applicable  to  the  behavior  of  the  married  pair.     A  har- 
monious progress  requires  a  combination  of  pivrpose  and  exertion.     If 
the  husband  is  devoted  to  literature  or  science,  the  wife  should  mani- 
fest interest  in  the  same,  but  if  her  taste  is  not  for  either,  she  should 
by  no  means  show  displeasure  at  her  husband's  devotion  to  them.     It  is 
her  duty,  in  case  of  improvidence  on  his  part  in  consequence  of  his 
studies,  to  ask  him  to  improve  his  negligence,  but  never  in  a  tone  of 
anger  or  reproach.     The  husband  should,  in  like  manner,  never  frown 
upon  any  of  his  wife's  delights.     If  she  is  devoted  to  tlowersv  to  music, 
to  painting,  etc. ,  it  should  be  he  that  should  stimulate  by  approval.     In 
case  the  husband  is  desirous  to  accumulate  a  fortime,  and  exert^  him- 
self to  that  effect,  the  wife  should  not  dispirit  him,  or  render  his  efforts 
abortive  by  extravagance.     If  he  is  not  successful,  or  fails  in  business, 
she  should  be  his  comforter  and  stimulate  him  to  further  exertion  ;  and 
in  case  the  manner  of  living  will  in  consequence  be  rendered  less  lux- 
urious, she  shoiild  exhibit  such  a  contentment  and  willingness  as  to  rob 
the  misfortune  of  half  its  bitterness.     The  noble  wife  is  one  who  does 
not  sink  under  the  crucial  test  of  her  husband's  misfortunes,  but  rises 
to  a  higher  mount  of  greatness  and  action  by  her  cheerful  resignation 
to  the  loss,  and  encoviragcment  to  her  husband's  drooping  spirits.     The 
husband  should  ever  be  ready  with  his  approving  smiles  to  cheer  his 
wife's  labors,  even  if  to  him  it  appears  but  a  trivial  affair.     Woman 
only  thrives  under  the  ai>iirobatiou  of  man,  and  if  that  is  withheld, 
especially  from  the  one  whom  she  values  most,  she  soon  becomes  pur- 
poseless and  fretful.     How  many  a  good  wife's  heart  has  been  woimdcd 
by  her  husband's  indiffc-nsnce  with  regard  to  matters  which  she  in  her 
Ipimplicity  of  heart  hopc-d  would  delight  her  companion?     It  maybe 
but  a  trifle,  but  so  exceedingly  tender   is   the  plant  of  connubial  love, 
and  so  susceptible  of  being  lacerated,  that  "  trifles  light  as  air"  often 
impede  its  growth  and  embitter  its  fniit.     It  is  the  "  fo"Mfe  foxes  that 
Bpoil  the  vines."     A  single  tart  remark  or  unkind  tone  of  voice  will 
penetrate  the  inner  recesses  of  the  heart  of  the  wife  who  loves,  and 
render  her  most  wretched.      Oneness  should  be  particularly  exhibited  in 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  425 

purpose  and  design,  the  respective  action  should  be  one  of  accord, 
and  the  faculties  of  each  other  should  be  mutually  gratified.  It  ia 
only  by  such  a  concert  that  love  is  perpetuated  and  wedlock  made  an 
Elysium. 

If  the  husband  or  wife  have  vices,  the  conduct  to  be  pursued  is  pe- 
culiarly delicate.  If  it  is  judicious,  the  vice  may  be  corrected ;  if  other- 
wise, the  habit  may  become  intensified.  If  the  husband  is  intemperate, 
the  wife  should  address  his  highest  sentiments,  and  not  attempt  to  bring 
about  repentance  and  reform  by  angry  reproach,  unkind  remarks,  or 
undignified  aspersions.  No  one  has  a  keener  sense  of  his  depravity  than 
the  dnmkard,  and  he  is  by  no  means  dead  to  the  finer  sensibilities, 
hence  any  inhumane  treatment,  or  reproof  insulting  to  inherent  dignity, 
is  not  calculated  to  achieve  reformation.  He  is  to  be  approached  .as  a 
man,  his  nobility  is  to  be  addressed,  and  his  better  feelings  excited. 
He  is  to  be  shown  that  he  is  none  the  less  loved  for  his  noble  qualities, 
that  aside  from  his  folly  he  is  stUl  the  being  who  possesses  his  wife's 
affections,  and  that  only  his  vice  and  not  he  himself  is  abhorred.  It  is 
only  by  such  a  procedure  that  vices,  or  a  disposition  to  vice,  can  be 
cured.  It  is  the  mild  and  gentle  force  that  works  reform,  revolutions 
scarcely  ever  do. 

We  have  now  in  many  aspects  considered  the  prudent  course  for  the 
conjugal  pair  to  pursue  in  search  of  wedded  bliss.  We  have  confined 
ourselves  merely  to  their  social  relation,  there  yet  remains  for  us  to  dis- 
cuss a  not  less  important  subject,  namely,  that  of  connubial  com- 
merce. From  what  we  have  already  written  the  inference  is  plain,  that 
■we  advocate  a  dignified  conduct,  benignity  of  temper,  subjection  of 
anger,  co-operation  of  purpose,  etc.,  etc.,  and  though  there  may  be, 
nay,  are,  many  other  rocks  upon  which  the  matrimonial  bark  will  im- 
pinge, the  reflective  mind  wiU  be  guided  in  his  behavior  in  eveiy  possi- 
ble contingency  by  what  we  have  more  lengthily  dwelt  upon.  The 
indices  to  marital  happiness  are  reason,  prudence,  justice,  and  equality, 
and  they  who  shape  their  course  by  them  must  attain  the  object.  It 
shall  now  be  our  purpose  to  consider  a  subject  that  is  not  less  impor- 
tant, and  much  less  understood.  In  its  discussion  we  will  confine  our- 
selves to  particulars  which  married  people  mostly  inquire  after,  and  in 
which  they  need  the  most  enlightenment. 

The  discussion  of  this  delicate  relation  between  the  married  pair  is  ne- 
cessary, inasmuch  as  the  unprofessional  have  access  to  scarcely  any  work 
of  standard  value  and  excellence  from  which  they  may  gather  tho 
knowledge  so  indispensable,  unless  they  are  fortunate  enough  to  have 
the  privilege  of  reading  the  works  of  an  extensive  medical  library. 
Even  if  this  opportunity  is  afforded,  the  tnith  is  not  clearly  presented  to 
them,  as  such  works  are  intended  usually  for  the  professional  reader. 
I,  therefore,  am  confident  that  I  discharge  an  important  duty,  especially 


426  THE    COMPLETE    HERB^VLIST. 

as  I  write  particularly  for  the  instruction  of  the  popular  mind,  in  pre- 
senting to  m^'  many  readers  the  philosophy  of  that  rehxtion  legitimatized 
by  maiTiage.  In  consideration  of  the  subject,  I  shall  employ  plain  but 
decorous  language,  and  attempt  to  jiresent  the  facts  so  that  they  may 
be  intelligible  to  all,  and  yet  not  wound  any  of  the  finer  sensibilities  of 
my  readers.  I  have  previously  stated  my  aim  to  be  merely  to  afford 
instruction  to  the  masses  relative  to  such  medical  subjects  as  have  never 
been  capably  popularized,  but  have  been,  and  are  yet  a  theme  on  which 
incompetent  charlatans  have  so  ignorantly  dwelt  upon,  and  dissemina- 
ted so  much  offensive  literature.  The  medical  profession  is  to  blame 
for  this.  If  they  had  not  neglected  to  teach  the  popular  mind  the  physi- 
ology of  cohabitation,  empirics  would  have  found  no  market  for  their 
offensive  and  pernicious  works,  excejiting,  perhaps,  among  the  morally 
depraved. 

The  married,  which  I  positively  know  from  the  many  opportunities 
afforded  me  in  my  professional  career,  are  extremely  ignorant  of  the 
philosophy  and  physiology  apijcrtaining  to  the  special  connubial  relation, 
and  absolutely  know  nothing  of  the  hygienic  limit  or  period.  I  know  also 
that  every  manied  man  and  woman  is  extremely  anxious  to  possess 
jiroper  knowledge.  As  the  access  to  works  of  scientific  authority  is  ex- 
tremely limited,  they  are  led  to  accept  the  teachings  of  ignorant  eiApir- 
ics,  and  thus  unwittingly  do  much  that  is  wrong  and  hurtful.  *The 
diffidence  characterizing  the  marital  pair  to  interrogate  the  family  physi- 
cian as  to  the  proper  course  to  pursue,  also  tends  to  keep  them  in  ignor- 
ance. It  is  only  when  the  abuse  of  the  marital  privilege  becomes  pain- 
fully apparent  that  the  physician  feels  warranted  to  interpose  his  cau- 
tions, and  counsel  reform  and  moderation.  This,  however,  occurs  only 
in  exceptional  instances,  the  great  majority  are  uninformed  and  unad- 
vised, controlled  only  by  self-interfiretation  of  the  right  or  wrong  of 
their  conduct,  or  by  such  information  as  is  commonly  possessed  by  the 
heads  of  families,  which  is  often  traditional,  and  usually  faulty  in  its 
conclusions. 

To  supply,  then,  in  a  medical  work  for  general  circulation,  the  proper 
instruction  as  regards  the  important  marital  relation  alluded  to,  needs 
no  further  justification,  but  everj'  person  actuated  by  a  catholic  spirit 
will,  1  am  sure,  deem  the  discussion  eminently  appropriate.  The  under- 
lying purpose  of  wedded  association  is  of  greater  importance  than  half 
who  assume  the  relation  are  aware  of.  Marriage  implies  much  more 
than  a  mere  association  of  the  sexes — it  is  rather  an  institution  devised 
by  society  to  regulate  cohabitation  and  the  propogation  of  species  in  the 
best  manner.  This  is  the  only  legitimate  purpose  of  mairiage,  as  aside 
from  this  relation  between  the  sexes,  every  other  one  could  be  secured 
and  maintahied  without  matrimonial  ties  or  obUgations.  Any  system 
of  rules  or  regulations  subser\'ing  the  puipose  of  controlling  this  particu- 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  427 

lar  marital  relation  so  as  to  accord  with  the  best  knowu  laws  of  physi- 
ology and  hygiene,  and  best  adapted  for  the  reqiiirenaents  of  propoga- 
tion  of  the  species,  so  that  offspring  will  not  be  recklessly  brought  into  the 
world,  but  calculated  to  secure  to  it  the  highest  possible  endowment  of 
all  the  nobler  human  qualities,  is  decidedly  the  best  marriage  code.  As 
an  institution,  marriage  should  be  governed  more  by  physiological  laws 
than  by  statute  reg-ulations.  and  the  time  may  yet  come  when  wilful  dis- 
regard of  physiological  laws  applicable  to  the  matrimonial  association 
of  the  sexes  will  be  regarded  as  reprehensible  or  criminal  as  the  viola- 
tion of  the  statute  laws  governing  the  institution.  It  is  then  quite  im- 
portant that  those  in  marriage  as  well  as  those  who  contemplate  matri- 
monial alliance,  should  possess  adequate  knowledge  of  the  incumbent 
dutieS;  contemplate  the  dijnity  and  importance  of  wedlock,  endeavor  to 
promote  the  grand  interests  and  welfare  which  the  marital  pair  have  at 
stake,  avoid  aniraalization  and  debasement  of  the  connubial  repast,  en- 
deavor to  fitly  endow  their  oif  spring,  and  so  conduct  themselves  through- 
out the  whole  course  of  wedded  association,  that  they  may  be  rewarded 
with  all  the  manifold  blessings  that  should  be  gained  by  the  grandest 
and  closest  association  of  human  interests,  purposes,  and  hearts. 

It  should  never  be  forgotten  by  the  married  that  our  passions  can  be 
over-indulged  precisely  the  same  as  our  appetites.  Hygiene  requires 
that  our  appetites  for  food  or  drink  should  only  be  appeased  to  such  an 
extent  as  will  not  create  a  loathing  for  that  which  was  eaten  or  drunk, 
upon  quitting  the  repast.  If  indulgence  is  carried  to  such  an  extent  it 
amounts  to  intemperance  and  will  be  followed  by  the  usual  consequen- 
ces of  violation  of  hygienic  law.  It  is  precisely  so  with  the  marital  re- 
past :  if  the  relation  is  assumed  too  frequently  the  temperate  limit  will 
be  over-reached  and  hurtful  consequences  ensue.  Excess  is  not  only 
deleterious  because  destructive  of  the  natural  tone  of  the  excitement, 
generative  of  nervous  disorder,  and  other  hurtful  consequences  ;  it  is  ex- 
tremely apt  to  engender  indifference  after  a  certain  period  on  the  part 
of  either  or  both  of  the  conjugal  pair.  By  indifference  I  mean  to  ex- 
press that  feeling  of  insatiety  after  indulgence,  that  want  of  mutual  ac- 
cord, or  sense  of  unsatisfactory  awakening  of  the  emotions,  which  is 
sure  to  follow  excesses.  The  desires  are  present  but  cannot  be  satisfac- 
torily appeased,  precisely  as  an  appetite  for  a  certain  article  or  kind  of 
food  remains  unsat  iated  if  not  within  reach  to  be  partaken  of.  This 
condition,  directly  a  sequal  to  immoderation,  is  one  of  the  greatest  mcen- 
tives  to  adultery.  I  am  well  satisfied  that  this  unpardonable  violation  of 
matrimonial  trust  and  fidelity  is,  in  the  majority  of  instances,  due  to 
neglect  of  observing  temperance  in  the  early  years  of  marriage.  The 
results  of  coitive  mtemperance  should  thus  be  strongly  inipressed  upon 
the  minds  of  every  one  married  or  contemplating  marriage,  as  by  mod- 
eration they  will  surely  attain  a  higher  altitude  of  connubial  enjoyment, 


428  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

besides  avoiding  the  violation  of  the  highest  and  purest  of  all  human 
trusts  which  if  committed,  is  irreparably  destructive  of  the  integrity  of 
matrimonial  alliance. 

The  man-ied  pair  should  carefully  guard  against  all  excesses.  Excess 
of  connubial  commerce  is  a  severe  tax  to  the  nervous  system,  and  very 
detrimental  to  health.  The  class  of  diseases  met  with  by  the  physician, 
of  which  the  remote  cause  is  immoderation,  is  scarcely  second  to  none 
in  frequency.  Besides,  the  orgasm  is  less  profound  if  the  banquet  is 
too  freely  partaken  of.  The  physician  is  frequently  asked  the  question 
how  often  intercourse  may  be  indulged  in  without  injury.  To  this  no 
answer  can  be  given  with  numerical  preciseness ;  but  both  sexes  pos- 
sess an  unerring  monitor^  whose  voice  they  should  promptly  heed. 
Whenever  a  sense  of  exhaustion  is  felt,  after  copulation,  the  violation 
of  a  physiological  law  is  made  manifest.  No  coitive  act  should  be  com- 
pleted when  it  requires  fatiguing  efforts  to  accomplish  it.  It  is  sure  to 
be  followed  by  exhaustion,  and  the  orgasm  is  neither  elevating  or  satis- 
factory, and  apt  to  generate  an  inharmony  quite  antagonistic  to  the  de 
signs  of  nature. 

Frequency  of  indulgence  does  not  only  deteriorate  the  moral  tone  of 
the  coitive  act,  but  it  often  provides  the  gerniinal  agenciea^of  serious 
diseases.  The  remote  cause  of  insanity  and  consumption  is  not' infre- 
quently intemperance  in  marital  union.  The  children  who  are  the  pro- 
ducts of  the  earlier  periods  of  married  life,  at  which  time  coitive  in- 
temperance is  most  f lequently  indulged,  are  more  nientally  imbecile, 
and  more  i^allid  in  hue  and  attenuated  in  form  than  those  bom  at  a  later 
period.  This  is  in  consequence,  that,  sooner  or  later,  the  parents  are 
forced  to  abstain  from  excess  by  the  ensuing  ruination  of  health,  allow- 
ing nature  to  gather  up  the  shattered  powers  and  assert  anew  the  con- 
trol of  the  organism.  In  the  early  years  of  marriage  excesses  should 
therefore,  by  no  means  transpire. 

During  the  period  of  the  catamenial  presence,  strict  continence  must 
be  observed  by  the  conjugal  pair.  I  should  not  give  this  caution  were 
I  not  aware  that  in  many  instances  the  marital  prerogative  is  thus  griev- 
ously abused.  Propriety  and  privilege  in  this  respect  are  particularly  at 
variance,  and  duty  demands  observance  of  propriety. 

During  the  period  of  pregnancy  the  husband's  conduct  should  be  char- 
acterized by  kmducss,  forbearance,  and  encouragement.  While  the 
germ  of  an  immortal  being  is  in  her  loins,  that  husband  is  no  more  than 
a  brute,  who  would  in  any  way  neglect  her  wishes,  or  refuse  to  jorn 
with  her  in  the  st)licitude  for  its  welfare.  The  expectant  mother  must 
also  control  every  appetite  or  mental  passion  that  might  injure  the 
precious  trust  committed  to  her.  The  best  and  noblest  thoughts  should 
occujiy  her  mind,  and  the  pui-est  sentiments  prevail  in  her  heart,  while 
the  babe  Im  hid  beneath  it,  so  that  her  shortconungs  aud  caprices  may 


THE    COMPLETE    HEKBALIST.  429 

not  be  commimicated  to  the  product  of  her  conception.  She  should  be, 
and  her  husband  should  assist  her  to  be,  patient  under  any  weariness  or 
Borrow  belonging  to  her  condition.  She  should  strengthen  her  heart 
against  the  hour  of  her  labor  with  the  thoughts  of  joy  she  shall  feel, 
when  her  child  shall  see  the  light,  and  the  process  of  maternity  ful- 
filled. It  is  she  who  bore  and  in  agony  gave  birth  to  the  link  that 
unites  the  parents  all  the  more  closely  together,  and  that  strengthens 
the  hymeneal  compact.  To  her  the  husband  owes  devotion,  allegiance, 
and  comforting  encouragement.  He  must  make  her  feel  that  the  joys 
of  maternity  are  not  to  be  centered  entirely  in  the  little  helpless  babe 
nestling  in  her  arms,  but  also  her  heart  is  to  be  rejoiced  in  witnessing 
the  paternal  pride  of  the  product  of  connubial  union — the  jewel  of  their 
conjoint  love.  The  component  parts  of  the  family  are  then  complete,  the 
husband,  the  wife,  and  the  child,  nothing  is  wanting  but  the  coupling  of 
energy  and  intent,  to  x)rocure  the  highest  share  of  human  bliss  to  be  ob- 
tained on  this  side  of  the  grave. 

The  author  is  prompted,  but  space  will  not  allow,  to  give  at  length 
his  views  upon  the  management  of  children.  On  this  point  husband 
and  wife  frequently  disagree,  and  the  result  of  the  disagreement  la 
manifested  in  the  child.  It  is  more  usually  the  case  that  the  father 
is  sterner  and  firmer  than  the  mother,  in  whose  heart  the  tender  ele- 
ments of  humanity  prevail.  It  is,  however,  not  necessary  to  be  stem  in 
the  management  of  children,  but  an  unflinching  firmness  is  at  all  times 
essential,  and  absolutely  necessary  in  both  parents  to  gain  a  healthy 
control  over  their  children.  Firmness  must,  however,  be  exhibited  in 
the  same  direction,  and  that  direction  the  right  one. 

There  is  a  tendency,  we  think,  at  the  present  day  to  put  children  too 
forward,  not  so  much  for  the  sake  of  showing  ofP  their  extraordinary 
merits  to  an  admiring  world,  as  from  the  better  motive  of  early  accus- 
toming them  to  the  conversation  of  grown  people  and  the  usages  of 
society,  and  of  inspiring  them  with  confidence,  ease,  and  self-possession. 
No  doubt  these  results  are  very  valuable,  but  the  mistake  which  many 
people  make  is  in  forgetting  that  children  are  something  like  dogs, 
which  require  to  be  very  well  trained  before  they  can  safely  be  recom- 
mended to  the  familiarity  of  strangers.  And  it  is  to  be  remembered 
that  the  moment  children  cease  to  respect  any  of  the  grown-up  people 
with  whom  they  associate,  not  only  is  the  whole  benefit  of  the  inter- 
course lost  at  once,  but  real  injury  is  inflicted  on  the  moral  tone  of  the 
child.  For  this  reason  children  should  be  brought  as  little  as  possible 
into  the  society  of  men  and  women  who  cannot  command  their  respect ; 
while  those  who  can,  the  influence  should  be  hedged  round  by  all  the 
numerous  impalpable  barriers  which  judicious  parents  know  perfectly 
well  how  to  interpose  between  children  and  the  most  popular  and  care- 
less of  their  adult  play-fellows.     The  confidence  which  well-bred  chil- 


430  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

dren  at  once  repose  in  an  eligible  stranger,  without  being  rude  or  trouble- 
some, is  charming  to  everybodj-,  who  has  any  natural  taste  for  their 
society.  It  is  not  pleasant,  on  the  other  hand,  to  see  children  who  are 
shy,  timid,  and  sheepishly  speechless  in  the  presence  of  strangers,  but  a 
confidence  and  imobtrusive  ease  of  manners  can  be  inspired  without 
thrusting  them  constantly  into  the  society  of  elders. 

Closely  allied  with  the  mistaken  license  allowed  to  children  in  matters 
like  the  above,  is  the  disposition  to  laugh  at,  and  thereby  to  encourage, 
all  traits  of  singularity,  oddness  or  affectation,  which  children  may  ex- 
hibit, as  marks  of  genius  which  ought  not  to  be  repressed.  Of  all  the 
dangerous  errors  into  which  parents  can  fall,  this,  in  our  opinion,  is  the 
worst.  For  nothing  so  soon  hardens  into  second  nature  as  juvenile 
eccentricity ;  and  few  things  are  more  injurious  to  success  in  life  than 
marked  oddities  of  manner  and  gesture  when  they  reach  the  point  of 
grotesqueness.  The  fond  parents  dote  upon  the  eccentric  child  as  an 
original,  but  the  author  in  this  respect  agrees  perfectly  with  Mr.  Peter 
Magnus  ;  he  does  not  see  the  necessity  of  originals.  And  what  is  more, 
so  many  "  originals  "  are  only  sham  ones  after  all.  That  is  to  say,  their 
singularity  is  merely  a  bad  habit  which  they  can't  shake  off,  ajid  is  only 
very  partially  innate.  \\Tien  parents  see  their  child  doing  anything 
unlike  other  children,  anything  queer,  surprising,  or  uncouth,  however 
comic  or  however  clever  it  may  seem,  they  should  never  laugh  at  or 
applaud  it.  Children  naturally  self-willed,  and  with  real  natural  pecu- 
liarities, can  soon  be  broken  of  such  tricks,  if  treated  with  absolute 
indifference.  But  soon  let  the  idea  find  its  way  into  their  brains  that 
such  sallies,  naughty  though  they  be,  are  regarded  as  marks  of  genius, 
and  the  mischief  is  done.  It  is  not  necessary  that  parents  should  engage 
harsh  reproof  or  exhibit  anger  to  correct  such  pertness  or  disposition  to 
oddity,  but  if  approbation  is  withheld,  and  probably  displeasure  shown, 
the  mischief  wUl  soon  be  corrected.  Children,  like  their  elders,  delight 
in  approbation,  and  if  they  can  only  secure  it  by  doing  what  is  right 
and  proper,  the  inclination  to  do  that  which  is  wrong  or  displeasing,  is 
robbed  of  its  greatest  incentive. 

To  come  back  to  the  jioint  from  which  we  started — the  management, 
namely,  of  young  children — there  is  one  thing  to  be  laid  down  :  let 
there  be  no  divided  rule  in  a  house.  Do  not  let  children  see  that 
the  father  means  one  thing  and  the  mother  another  in  their  bringing 
up.  They  see  the  difference  in  a  moment,  and  when  they  do,  farewell 
to  all  wholesome  parental  influence.  The  starting-point  of  ruined  man- 
hood or  womanhood,  in  many  cases,  is  just  this  diversity  of  pai'ental 
control.  That  mother  urges  her  child  towards  destruction  who 
offers  condolence  to  it,  after  reproof  or  correction  by  the  father,  no 
mattcn-  how  harsh  or  cruel  it  may  have  been.  Such  matters  must  be 
corrected  by  conference,  at  which  the  children  are  not  present.     She  is 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  431 

not  to  show  any  displeasure  at  the  exercise  of  authority  by  the  father  in 
the  presence  of  the  child  ;  if  she  does,  the  child's  self-will  is  Ratified  by 
a  mother's  alliance,  and  a  certain  importance  is  ^ven  to  the  improper 
conduct  of  the  child,  which,  in  accordance  with  the  human  liability  to 
err,  is  hard  to  resist.  The  parents  in  this  respect  must  be  the  allies,  not 
the  children  with  the  father  and  mother. 

Husbands  and  mothers  may  talk  too  freely  before  their  children,  for- 
getful of  their  rising  intelligence.  And,  indeed,  nothing  is  more  com- 
mon than  to  get  a  wink  from  the  head  of  the  house,  implying  that  you 
are  to  be  on  your  guard  before  Johnny  or  Tommy,  Kitty  or  Lucy,  who 
are  Hstening  open-mouthed  to  your  witty  narrative,  while  they  them- 
selves in  the  next  moment  will  offend  against  their  own  precautions  in 
the  most  barefaced  manner  by  plunging  headlong  into  your  domestic 
controversy,  in  which,  to  speak  metaphorically,  knives  are  freely  used 
on  both  sides.  Again,  parents  should  be  extremely  careful  in  comment- 
ing upon  the  conduct  of  their  neighbors  in  the  society  of  their  children, 
or  that  self-same  Tom  will  at  the  first  opportunity  acquaint  neigh- 
bor Jones  that,  in  the  opinion  of  his  father,  "he  is  a  confounded  old 
fool ;  "  or  the  same  little  Kitty  will  tell  Mrs.  Robinson  that  her  mother 
says  she  is  a  "lazy,  good-for-nothing  woman."  Trouncing  Tommy  or 
Kitty  for  such  imprudence  is  hardly  fair,  when  the  fault  lies  at  the  door 
of  the  parents.  At  best,  it  gives  children  but  a  poor  example,  and  in- 
stills within  them  a  disrespect  of  the  neighbors,  which,  probably,  they 
do  not  deserve,  and  which  may  in  later  years  possibly  stand  in  the 
way  of  individual  advancement.  Parents,  in  rearing  their  children, 
have  a  greater  trust  than  is  commonly  supposed,  and  they  owe  a  double 
duty — one  to  the  child,  and  the  other  to  society  in  general.  If  the 
child  is  inclined  to  vice,  the  fault  lies  in  many  cases  with  the  parents, 
and  the  right  to  thrust  upon  society  either  a  son  or  daughter  who  wdl 
constitute  but  a  useless  or  vicious  member  thereof,  is  not  properly  one 
of  the  privileges  of  humanity.  No  man  has  the  right  to  set  at  large  a 
lot  of  ferocious  animals,  who,  in  the  exercise  of  their  ferocity,  may  do 
harm  to  his  fellow-men;  neither  has  that  parent  a  moral  right  to  send 
adrift  in  the  world  sons  and  daughters,  who,  in  the  exercise  of  the 
vicious  culture  they  have  received,  prove  annoying  and  harmful  to  their 
fellow-beings.  There  is  no  deeper  stratum  of  thought  in  moral  econ- 
omy than  this,  and  none  that  receives  less  attention. 

It  is  to  mothers  that  society  and  mankind  are  indebted  for  its  morality 
and  uprightness.  By  her  efforts  the  only  real  work  of  reformation  can 
be  achieved.  The  training  of  chUdren  is  mainly  intrusted  to  her 
hands  ;  if  her  dnty  is  properly  performed,  the  moral  tone  of  society 
is  to  be  placed  to  her  credit ;  if  carelessly  and  imprudently  attended  to, 
she  is  the  one  that  is  mainly  accountable  for  its  vices.  It  may  seem  a 
cruelty  to  add  to  the  travails  of  maternity  and  to  her  household  duties 


432  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

the  further  responsibility  of  rearing  the  moral  structure  of  society  ;  but 
who  is  to  assume  it,  if  she  be  not  the  proper  person  ?  The  child  is,  to  a 
certain  age,  mainly  in  her  presence  alone,  and  this  association  cannot  be 
shirked  or  changed  ;  for  it  is  true  to  a  natural  law  that  the  mother  is  to 
be  the  closest  companion  of  her  children.  It  is  during  this  period  of 
companionship  that  the  foundation  of  the  moral  superstructure  is  to  be 
laid,  and  the  mother  must  be  the  artisan.  She  may  be  aided  by  her 
husband  and  others  ;  but  the  chief  duty  to  form  and  direct  is  her  own, 
and  the  structure  she  rears,  whether  good  or  bad,  is  her  work. 

Her  duty  to  her  offspring  commences  at  the  moment  of  conception. 
'WTiile  the  product  is  yet  hidden  within  the  confines  of  her  womb  she 
must  have  its  future  welfare  at  heart,  and  lend  her  thoughts  only  upon 
that  which  is  good  and  noble.  She  should  in  her  mind  select  the  career 
of  the  child,  and  that  such  a  one  that  is  characterized  by  all  the  noble 
qualities,  and  freedom  from  vices.  Who  can  gainsay  the  fact,  that  when 
the  babe  is  assuming  its  physical  character,  while  yet  in  the  mysterious 
depth  of  the  gravid  womb,  that  the  mother  is  not  enabled  by  the  purity 
of  her  thoughts  and  exalted  character  of  her  emotions  to  give  it  also 
the  endowment  of  its  moral  character  ?  Who  will  deny  that  the  trans- 
mission of  hereditary  qualities  give  the  original  bias,  which  subsequent 
to  birth  is  hard  to  overcome  ?  The  law  of  transmitting  talent  and  yirtue 
from  mother  to  child  is  based  on  physiological  principles,  as  demcftistra- 
ble  as  material  matter.  I  would  then  say  to  every  expectant  mother  : 
Let  your  thoughts  be  good,  your  emotions  pure,  your  imaginations 
morally  exalted ;  be  brave,  be  strong,  be  good,  and  centre  all  and  only 
the  purest  feelings  upon  that  helpless  atom  of  humanity  reposing  in 
your  womb,  so  that  at  the  hour  of  your  labor  you  are  fortified  against 
its  agony  by  the  consciousness  that  the  babe  you  usher  into  the  world  ia 
endowed  with  qualities,  which,  by  subsequent  development  and  culture, 
will  enable  it,  when  of  proper  years,  to  take  its  place  among  the  good 
and  noble  of  this  earth. 

Subsequent  to  birth  the  mother  must  continue  her  efforts.  She  must 
impose  barriers  against  everything  that  has  an  tmwholesome  influence 
on  the  moral  tone  of  her  child.  She  must  not  intrust  the  training  of  her 
precious  darlings  to  nurses  or  governesses.  A  mother  who  reposes  the 
development  of  character  of  her  children  to  salaried  persons  is  prosti' 
tuting  the  high  estate  of  maternity,  and  sins  against  Nature  and  her 
God.  It  is  she  who  must  take  the  hand  of  the  child  while  yet  in  its 
innocence,  and  lead  it  in  the  path  of  virtue  and  truth ;  her  hand  must 
remove  all  the  lures  and  seductive  temptations  that  beset  its  path,  and 
she  alone  must  assume  the  cultivation  of  its  moral  nature. 

Men  may  build  prisons,  asylums,  reformatories,  create  midnight  mis- 
sions, etc.,  but  refonnation  by  these  means  is  uncertain,  expensive,  and 
at  best  very  ineffectual.     It  is  the  hardened  criminal  they  deal  with— 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  433 

ouo  in  whom  vice  has  become  the  second  nature.  No  real  reformation 
is  accomplished  by  any  such  means,  none  will  ever  ensue ;  and  as  long 
as  mothers  are  not  alive  to  the  importance  of  properly  training  the  pliant 
child,  vice  will  increase  and  baffle  every  other  mode  of  refonnation. 
One  wiser  than  myself  has  said — "  Train  up  a  child  in  a  way  he  should 
go,  and  when  he  is  old  he  will  not  depart  from  it."  The  truth  of  this 
is  self-evident,  and  is  supported  by  another,  whose  figurative  language 
is  equally  truthful — 

"  As  the  twig  is  bent  the  tree  's  inclined." 

It  is,  therefore,  the  mother  who  must  nourish  the  truth  in  her  arras,  so 
that  when  it  leaves  them  it  wiU  walk  strongly  forth  alone,  blessing  and 
blest  of  all  men. 

Advice  to  the  Childless. 

The  most  impressive  words  in  the  whole  range  of  language  are  Father 
and  Mother.  Their  full  significance  is  only  realized  and  understood 
when  the  prattling  babe  stretches  out  its  tiny  arms  and  first  lispingly 
pronounces  the  tender  words.  The  heart  must,  indeed,  be  dead  to  all 
emotion,  which  at  that  moment  does  not  pulsate  with  pride  and  exalted 
love.  The  first  words  taught  to  it,  and  the  first  words  learned,  are  those 
tender  names,  and  the  proudest  moment  of  the  whole  of  parentage  is 
when  the  lesson  is  learned  by,  and  let  fall  from,  the  lips  of  the  smiling 
babe.  The  soul  is  elevated  above  material  things,  the  tenderest 
chords  of  love  are  vibrated,  the  joys  of  the  world  but  this  one  are  for- 
gotten, and  the  whole  heart  embraces  but  the  innocent  babe  that  sprung 
from  their  loins.  The  entity  of  the  family  is  incomplete  without  chil- 
dren, and  the  action  of  its  machinery  is  unharmonious  without  those 
little  wheels.  The  integrity  is  faulty  in  the  absence  of  offspring ;  it  is 
like  the  pillar  of  which  the  capital  and  pedestal  exist,  but  the  shaft  is 
wanting  to  give  it  dignity.  The  childless  family  is  not  a  pleasant  one 
to  contemplate  ;  the  husband  and  wife  grow  old,  but  there  is  no  young 
life  to  inspirit  them,  or  to  give  cheer  to  their  existence.  Childless  lon- 
gevity is  at  best  but  a  dismal  life — there  is  always  an  aching  void — a 
palpable  evidence  of  a  lacking  integer.  Barrenness  is  a  condition  from 
which  every  woman  instinctively  recoils.  The  desire  for  children  may 
or  may  not  be  entertained,  yet  to  know  that  she  is  incapable  of  mother- 
hood is  to  know  that  she  is  lacking  in  the  most  important  element  of 
womanhood.  It  is  a  physical  condition  abhorrent  to  every  female,  be- 
cause she  feels  that  she  is  beneath  the  dignity  that  distinctively  charac- 
terizes her  sex.  Motherhood  is  the  ideal  state  of  womanhood,  and  the 
yearning  for  maternity  is  one  born  of  nature.  The  woman  in  whose 
bosom  such  a  desire  makes  no  response  is  unworthy  of  her  sex,  and  she 
deserves  none  of  the  elevated  joys  and  honor  which  woman  is  sent  here 
19  ^o 


434  THE  COMPLETE  nERBALIST. 

to  achieve,  and  she  Tvill  reap  none.  It  is  the  highest  honor  her  sex  can 
reach,  as  productiveness  entitles  her  to  the  prond  position  of  one  of  the 
prime  factors  in  the  propagation  of  species. 

None  but  physicians  know  how  great  the  desire  for  children  is  in 
those  whose  married  life  has  been  passed  for  some  time  without  issue. 
To  them  the  secret  yearnings  of  their  hearts  is  intrusted,  and  to  their 
confidence  is  reposed  the  animated  impulse  that  is  ceaselessly  throbbing 
in  the  bosom  of  those  whose  hearth-stone  is  desolate,  and  around  which 
gathers  not  a  child.  The  outside  world  may  not  know  of  the  jjainful 
vacancy  that  is  ever  confronting  them,  nor  the  despair  that  has  posses- 
sion of  their  hearts  ;  but  the  physician,  to  whose  skill  they  so  earnestly 
.appeal  to  accomplish  the  realizatian  of  their  hope,  is  ever,  and  probably 
the  only  confidante.  He  alone  knows  the  elevation  of  spirits,  the  fulness 
of  pride,  and  the  intensity  of  satisfaction  that  is  manifested  if  he  has 
removed  the  barrier  to  productiveness,  and  that  the  process  of  mater- 
nity is  in  progress.  But  let  him  say  that  the  barriers  to  conception  are 
insuperable,  it  causes  a  painful  despondency,  and  that  exquisite  anguish 
resulting  from  unappeased  yearnings  of  the  soul.  It  is,  ^however,  a 
providential  ordination  that  few  women  are  hopeles-sly  barren,  iind  but 
few  men  unprocrcative.  Circumstances  may  for  a  certain  tims  make 
them  practically  unproductive,  but  such  a  physical  condition  can  in 
almost  every  case  be  removed  by  consistent  treatment,  and  by  observing 
such  measures  and  precautions  tending  to  promote  fruitfulness.  The 
causes  of  childlessness  with  certain  married  parties  are  various.  It  may 
be  due  to  defonnities  of  the  womb.  Fallopian  tubes,  and  ovaries  of  the 
female  ;  or  testes,  spermatic  cord,  and  of  the  male  organ.  The  patho- 
logical conditions  are  many,  which  occur  in  both  sexes,  that  produce 
barrenness,  while  in  some  cases  the  anatomy  of  the  parts  render  con- 
ception and  child-bearing  utterly  impossible.  It  may  be  caused  by 
stricture  of  the  womb  and  Fallopian  tubes,  misplacement  of  the  tubes, 
adhesions  of  the  uterine  walls,  etc. ,  etc. ,  or  through  malformation,  as 
occlusion  of  the  vagina,  etc.  It  may  also  be  due  to  degeneracy  of  the 
testes  of  the  male,  epispadias,  hypospadias,  etc.  Conception  may  also 
temporarily  be  prevented  by  iiterine  and  ovarian  diseases,  or  to  a  dis- 
eased condition  of  the  spermatozoids  of  the  male  semen.  Unproduc- 
tiveness is  frequently  due  to  a  devitalized  condition  of  those  animalcu- 
loids,  in  which  state  they  have  no  fecvindating  properties.  Sterility, 
dependent  upon  some  vicious  conformation  of  the  genital  organs  of 
either  sex,  ajjparent  or  concealed,  is  called  absolute.  Infecundity,  due 
to  the  conditions  already  enumerated,  are  absolute  causes  of  sterility, 
and  can  only  be  removed  by  medical  treatment,  which  in  most  cases,  if 
of  a  rational  and  appropriate  character,  can  effectually  be  accomplished. 
Wlion  a  female  does  not  conceive  with  one  individual,  but  has  or  may 
with  another,  the  condition  is  called  relativt  sterility.    Relative  infecuu- 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  435 

dity  is  frequently  met  with,  and  in  many  cases  presents  sucTi  features 
that  the  atociac  condition  cannot  be  overcome  without  calling  to  aid 
artificial  means.  It  is  often  observed  that  a  woman  in  her  second  mar- 
riage is  sterile  who  in  her  first  marriage  was  prolific  in  offspring ;  again, 
the  widower  in  his  first  marriage  gave  evidence  of  fecundating  power, 
but  in  his  second  alliance  no  impregnation  ensues.  Absolute  and  relative 
sterility  may  exist  at  the  same  time,  thus  a  female  may  be  married  to 
a  man  who  is  physically  incapable  of  impregnating  her,  yet  at  the  same 
time  the  conformation  of  her  genital  organs  may  be  such  as  to  render 
her  absolutely  sterile.  It  is  therefore  necessary  in  all  cases  of  sterility 
to  fully  investigate  the  causes,  both  absolute  and  relative.  Sterility  in 
some  females  is  often  dependent  upon  a  condition  of  the  womb  charac- 
terized by  membranous  menstruation.  Conception  is  prevented  in 
such  cases  by  devitalization  of  the  semen  by  the  vitiated  secretion  and 
discharges  from  the  uterine  surface.  In  all  cases  of  absolute  sterility, 
medical  treatment  offers  the  only  hope  of  obliteration  of  the  causes. 
The  diseases  of  the  female  genitalia  which  are  causative  of  infecundity 
must  be  treated  as  required  by  their  pathological  character ;  and  it  is 
necessary  that  such  treatment  should  be  admirably  adapted  to  the  con- 
ditions of  the  case,  and  most  carefully  instituted.  Such  cases  should 
only  be  intrusted  to  physicians  who  by  skill  and  experience  have  the 
requisite  ability,  and  who  are  conversant  wdth  the  precautions  that 
studiously  are  to  be  observed.  Improper  treatment  is  exceedingly  apt  to 
render  sterility  an  irremediable  condition,  which  under  rational  treat- 
ment would  have  resulted  in  the  removal  of  all  the  barriers  to  impreg- 
nation. If  the  cause  lies  in  the  male,  whose  formative  material  ia 
devitalized  by  a  diseased  condition  of  the  fabricating  organs,  seminifer- 
ous ducts,  or  seminal  vesicles,  medical  treatment  likewise  is  the  only 
means  of  making  the  p^"  tient  procreative.  The  male  often  renders  him- 
self powerless  to  procreate  by  imprudence  or  various  excesses,  in 
which  case  the  semen  is  not  fully  organized  and  deficient  in  procreative 
elements.  All  these  varied  conditions  of  husband  and  wife  contributing 
to  childlessness  are  mainly  remediable,  so  that  under  the  care  of  an 
intelligent  jihysician  parentage  to  them  is  not  always  a  forlorn  hope. 
The  prospect  for  issue  is  favorable  in  most  cases  under  rational  treat- 
ment, hence  the  gloom  of  the  childless  need  not  be  perpetual  if  they  but 
employ  the  counsel  and  aid  of  the  competent  physician.  Neglect  of  so 
important  a  duty  is  very  common,  the  conjugal  pair  stolidly  agreeing 
that  their  childless  state  is  owing  to  Divine  ordinance,  little  dreaming 
that  their  un])roductive  union  is  in  opposition  to  the  requirements  of 
the  Deity,  and  that  the  fault  of  non-conception  is  due  to  incapacity  and 
not  to  dispensation. 

Relative  sterility  is  not  amenable  to  medical  treatment.     The  most 
pommon  cause  of  infecundity  of  this  character  is  the  want  of  adaptation 


436  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

or  fitness  of  the  genital  organs  of  the  conjugal  pair  to  each  other.  This 
want  of  adaptation  is  a  very  frequent  cause  of  sterilty,  and  should  receive 
proper  attention  by  the  medical  man  to  whom  is  intrusted  the  rectifica- 
tion of  an  unproductive  union.  Of  itself,  inadaptation  may  not  be  the 
cause  of  the  atociac  condition,  but  when  associated  with  an  atonic  con- 
dition of  tlie  uterus,  procreation  rarely,  if  ever,  ensues.  It  will  not  be 
necessary  for  me  to  detail  the  various  forms  of  inadaptation,  as  the  con- 
sideration of  such  causes  of  sterility  more  immediately  concerns  the 
medical  attendant,  but  it  is  quite  appropriate  to  make  allusion  to  such 
causes,  as  the  childless  very  properly  desire  information  relative  to  all 
possible  conditions  hindering  fructification.  Self -treatment  is  not  to  be 
thought  of  ;  but  a  proper  knowledge  of  all  the  physiological  or  anatomical 
causes  of  sterility  should  be  possessed  l)y  all  in  conjugal  association,  espe- 
cially by  those  who  have  not  as  yet  attained  the  full  measure  of  matri- 
monial enjoyment,  by  reason  of  an  exceptional  provision  of  fate  by  which 
their  union  is  left  without  the  graces  and  endearments  of  childhood. 

One  of  the  most  common  causes  of  barrenness  is  unquestionably  what 
has  been  already  alluded  to,  atony  of  the  womb  or  appendages  "j^n  fact 
some  pathological  condition  of  the  reproductive  organs  of  the  female  is,  in 
the  large  majority  of  cases,  the  sole  cause.  Uterine  atony,  or  intonifcity  of 
the  womb,  may  be  of  every  degree  of  intensity — ranging  from  a  slight 
feebleness  to  complete  exhaustion — the  latter  condition  being  known  as 
paralysis  of  the  womb.  This  atonic  state  is  owing  not  to  any  structural 
or  organic  disease  of  the  womb  itself,  but  is  merely  a  secondary  patho- 
logical condition,  the  actual  seat  of  the  disorder  being  in  the  sacral 
plexus,  or  that  nervous  net-work  sitvxated  near  the  sacrum,  from  which 
the  genital  organs  receive  their  nervous  supply.  A  jjaralyzed  condition 
of  the  womb  is  aptly  illustrated  by  a  paralyzed  arm  or  leg ;  the  loss  of 
natural  power,  motion,  or  functions  resulting  from  a  diseased  condition 
of  some  cerebral  or  spinal  nei-ve-centrc,  and  not  from  any  morbid  condi- 
tion of  the  part  affected.  In  all  cases,  therefore,  where  the  cause  of 
st(;rility  has  been  ascertained  to  be  uteruie  paralysis,  the  proper  treatment 
is  to  restore  the  tonic  powers  of  the  sacral  plexus.  This  is  best  accom- 
plished by  the  intelligent  application  of  the  electric  or  galvanic  current, 
or  by  the  emplo3'ment  of  the  appropriate  cerebro-sjiinal  tonics  and  other 
medicinal  agents.  The  treatment  is,  however,  to  be  intrusted  to  careful, 
able,  and  experienced  phy.sicians. 

The  physiological  function  of  the  womb,  favoring  the  transmission  of 
the  male  fonnative  material  from  the  os  uteri  to  the  ovarium,  is  a  certain 
suction  power  or  intro-staltic  motion.  This  is  accomplished  by  short  and 
wave-like  contractions  upward  of  the  uterine  muscles.  In  a  paralyzed 
condition  of  the  womb,  which  is  usually  of  a  chronic  character,  there  is 
a  complete  absence  of  this  uterine  motion,  and  consequently  the  respec- 
tive formative  materiaLi  necessary  for  procreation  never  come  in  contact 


THE    COMPLETE    HETRBALIST.  437 

Membranous  menstruation  has  already  been  stated  as  one  of  the 
causes  of  sterility.  This  painful  affection  is  characterized  by  either 
partial  or  complete  denudation  of  the  uterine  cavity  of  its  mucous  cov- 
ering at  each  menstrual  period,  leaving  the  uterine  walls  in  an  abraded 
condition,  entirely  unfitted  for  the  purposes  of  gestation.  Conception 
may,  however,  take  place  in  these  cases,  but  at  the  arrival  of  the  first 
period  for  the  occurrence  of  the  menstrual  exacerbation,  the  placenta 
and  membranes  are  dislodged  with  the  mucous  membrane. 

The  childless  wife  will  note  that  a  pathological  or  abnormal  condition 
of  her  pelvic  organs  is  relatively  the  most  frequent  cause  of  sterility,  all 
of  the  affections  being  characterized  by  more  or  less  gravity  and  requir- 
ing the  mofit  appropriate  and  energetic  treatment  in  order  to  restore  the 
organs  to  health,  and  at  the  same  time  establish  functional  integrity  and 
maternal  capacity.  As  most  of  the.se  uterine  affections  result  from  a 
wilful  disregard  of  the  laws  of  health,  slavish  obedience  to  the  behests 
of  fashion,  and  bad  habits  in  general,  the  author  hopes  that  all  females, 
married  or  unmarried,  who  properly  appreciate  the  grandeur  of  woman- 
hood and  motherhood  will  not  wilfully  violate  physiological  law,  but 
strenously  endeavor  to  preserve  uterine  health  and  integrity  of  the 
maternal  capacity. 

Congenital  phymosis  is  a  condition  of  the  male  organ  depriving  him 
of  procreative  power  in  nearly  every  instance.  The  intervention  of  the 
prepiice  in  this  case  arrests  the  ejaculatory  force  of  the  seminal  expen- 
diture, preventing  impulsion  into  the  womb.  This  deformity  is  easily 
obliterated  by  a  surgical  operation,  which  is  very  frequently  iierformed 
in  my  office.  It  causes  but  little  pain,  no  inconvenience,  and  heals 
rapidly.  Circumcision  among  the  Jews  is  a  custom  having  for  its 
object  the  removal  of  this  frequent  obstacle  to  multiplication,  as  exist- 
ing in  the  male.  Infecundity,  especially  iti  the  earlier  years  of  marriage, 
is  often  a  consequence  of  exhaustion,  induced  by  improper  excesses. 
Intemperate  indulgence  often  renders  both  husband  and  wife  sterile. 
The  semen  must,  in  order  to  have  procreative  perfection,  necessarily 
remain  in  the  seminal  vesicles  for  a  certain  time,  where  its  i^rocreative 
qualities  are  fully  developed.  After  its  escape  from  the  vesicles,  it  fur- 
ther receives  the  intermixture  of  prostatic  fluid,  liquefying  it  to  the 
proper  consistence  for  easy  propulsion  into  the  uterine  ca\"ity.  Marital 
excess  is  therefore  preventive  of  full  procreative  quality  of  the  semen. 
Excessive  indulgence  on  the  part  of  the  wife  causes  a  feebleness  of 
peristaltic  motion  of  the  uterine  muscles,  or,  as  it  may  be  otherwise 
tenned.  the  suction  power  of  the  womb.  I'ecbleness  of  the  upward 
propelling  forces  of  the  womb  and  Fallopian  tubes  is  caused  by  the 
excesses  alluded  to,  and  hence,  if  even  the  semen  is  introduced 
within  the  uterine  embrace,  the  absence  of  retentive  power  allows  its 
escape  through  the  mouth  of  the  womb.     Sterility  from  such  cause  can 


438  THE  cojirLETB  herbalist. 

only  be  overcome  by  the  observance  of  moderation  by  the  conjugal  pair, 
and  in  most  cases  restorative  medical  treatment  becomes  also  a  neces- 
sity. 

The  most  susceptible  period  for  the  occurrence  of  conception  is  im- 
mediately after  the  complete  cessation  of  the  menstrual  tlow.  '  This 
susceptibility  continues  for  eight  or  ten  days,  but  is  necessarily  greatest 
at  an  early  period  after  the  menstrual  discharge.  The  menstrual  flow 
h\  its  discharge  carries  away  all  obstructions  that  exist  in  the  mouth  of 
the  womb,  thus  facilitating  intro-propulsion  of  the  semen,  and  the 
womb  at  that  period  has  also  its  greatest  tonic  power.  It  is,  however, 
not  to  be  supposed  that  conception  will  not  take  place  at  the  period  just 
preceding  the  menstrual  flow  ;  on  the  contrary,  it  may  occur  at  any 
period  between  the  cessation  and  onset  of  the  catarnenial  discharge. 

It  will  thus  be  seen  that  many  causes,  both  absolute  and  relative,  tend 
to  sterility.  In  but  few  cases,  however,  is  sterility  a  fixed  fact,  or  an 
irremediable  condition.  The  greatest  triumphs  achieved  by  the  medi- 
cal profession  were  in  the  study  of  the  causes  of  sterility,  and  the  best 
means  for  their  removal.  No  phj'sician,  alive  to  the  importance  and 
exalted  character  of  his  callmg,  should  neglect  the  study  of  the  subject ; 
on  the  contrary,  he  should  be  conversant  vsith  all  the  pathological  fea- 
tures sterility  presents,  and.be  able  to  intelligently  ascertain  the^Jauses. 
An  important  trust  is  confided  to  his  professional  care ;  the  iiftensest 
longing  capable  of  the  human  heart  depends  upon  his  skill,  either  to  be 
appeased  or  unrequited.  Professional  acumen  is  in  no  respect  more 
essential  than  in  this,  and  the  medical  counsellor,  unworthy  of  the  trust 
by  reason  of  imperfect  knowledge  of  the  subject,  does  a  grievous  wrong 
by  attempting  treatment,  or  venturing  decisive  advice.  The  childless 
pair  should  at  all  times  seek  the  most  intelligent  counsel  and  most  com- 
petent treatment,  and  not  allow  themselves  to  become  victims  of  de- 
spondency before  they  have  made  such  a  definite  attempt. 

The  author  has  devoted  much  time  and  .study  upon  this  subject,  feel- 
ing that  no  greater  field  of  usefulness  is  presented  to  the  physician  for 
tl'.e  exercise  of  his  skill  and  professional  attainments.  The  success  at- 
tained in  this  sphere  of  professional  activity  has  only  been  gained  at  the 
expense  of  laborious  study  and  by  the  advantages  conferred  by  exten- 
sive practice.  Competence  can  only  be  gained  by  study  and  experience 
in  every  subject  of  intelligtjnce—  proficiency  being  only  the  reward  of 
intellectual  labor  and  opportunity'for  exercise  of  the  secured  knowledge. 

The  author  will  gladly  give  advice  to  those  to  whom  this  chapter  re- 
fers, being  justified  by  previous  success  and  long  professional  experience 
to  give  pi-oper  and  definite  ad. ice  and  appropriate  treatment.  Those 
desiring  to  avail  themselves  of  such  an  opportunity  are  referred  to  page 
390  for  guidance  as  to  the  proper  information  to  submit  for  my  consider- 
atiou. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


Impotence  op  the  Ma.le. 


439 


By  this  is  generally  considered  the  inability  to  engage  in  the  virile 
act.  It  essentially  signifies  a  loss  of  the  virile  powers.  Irapotency  may 
be  either  partial  or  complete,  and,  like  sterility,  absolitt-e,  and  relative. 
The  term  impotence  is  fretjuently  used  synouomously  with  sterility ; 
but,  as  sterility  has  been  considered  in  another  place,  we  shall  discuss 
the  subject  in  this  placer  only  in  the  sense  implying  loss  of  capacity. 

The  loss  of  virile  power  is  owing  to  a  variety  of  causes.  The  process 
of  loss  in  idiopathic  cases  is  usually  slow,  though  in  some  cases  inviri- 
lity  ensues  quite  rapidly.  When  due  to  traumatic  causes  virile  power 
is  lost  synchronously  with  the  occurrence  of  the  injury.  Impotence 
usually  follows  injuries  received  by  the  spine  and  base  of  the  brain,  but 
in  these  cases  the  loss  is  not  of  itself  a  pathological  disorder,  but  essen- 
tially symptomatic  of  the  injury. 

The  most  common  cause  of  impotence  is  nervous  debility,  apparent 
or  concealed  and  unsuspected.  It  is  the  usual  sequel  to  that  disease,  if 
it  is  allowed  an  unchecked  career,  manifesting  itself  at  first  by  a  slight 
incapacity,  but  which  gradually  progresses  until  finally  the  virile  power 
is  completely  lost.  That  impotence  is  the  inevitable  result  to  nervous 
debility  is  quite  natural,  the  ceaseless  waste  of  such  a  vital  element  of 
the  male  economy  as  semen  can  have  no  other  finality.  The  general 
disturbance  of  the  nervous  system  caused  by  involuntary  spermatic 
losses  is  manifested  first  in  the  virile  organs,  as  the  erectile  property  of 
the  organ,  purely  a  nervous  phenomenon,  and  consequently  any  func- 
tion so  directly  under  the  control  of  nervous  power  as  the  erectile 
quality,  is  the  one  first  to  succumb  to  nervous  disorganization.  Impo- 
tence in  such  cases  is,  therefore,  due  to  feebleness  or  insufficieucy  of 
the  nervous  stimuli  necessary  to  provoke  a  copulative  aspect  of  the 
male  organ.  This  condition  of  invirility  is  also  caused  by  immoderate 
indulgence,  the  pathological  disorder  produced  being  in  all  respects  the 
same  as  that  following  seminal  incontinence,  though  as  a  general  thing 
masculine  power  is  lost  less  rapidly. 

Spinal  and  cerebral  diseases  are  usually  associated  with  a  low  condi- 
tion of  the  virUe  jiower.  This  manifestation  is  quite  in  accordance  with 
the  physiological  laws  governing  the  virile  functions,  as  it  will  be  re- 
membered that  the  nervous  supply  that  the  organs  of  generation  receive 
is  the  pudental  nerve,  which  arises  from  the  sacral  plexus.  This  nerve 
and  branches  afford  the  requisite  stimuli  necessary  to  promote  conges- 
tion of  the  organ,  which  phenomenon  constitutes  an  erection.  The 
brain  gives  the  necessary  sensory  stimulus,  without  which  the  nerves 
are  not  excited  to  action.  Phrenologists  place  amativeness  in  the  lower 
lobe  of  the  cerebellum,  bat  it  is  quite  probable  that  its  locality,  though 
most  evidently  in  the  Ijaso   of  the  brain,  is  not  in  that  situation,  as 


440  TI!E    COMPLKTE    HERRALIST, 

analogy  will  not  comport  with  ench  a  view.  Observation  teaches  that 
the  chanticleer  is  the  most  amorous  of  animals,  yet  anatomists  find  no 
lower  lobe  of  the  cerebellum  in  the  brain  of  the  fowl.  External  violence, 
however,  upon  the  sacral  and  occipital  regions  usually  cause  virile  im- 
becility, and  hence  we  know  that  a  healthy  condition  of  the  base  of  the 
brain  and  sacral  plexus  is  necessary  to  the  existence  of  viiility.  Dis- 
eases, excessive  study,  intemperate  use  of  tobacco,  violent  and  prolonged 
grief,  etc.,  are  therefore  causes  of  impotency,  from  the  fact  that  the 
cerebnd  disorganization  which  follows  produces  inertia  of  the  nervous 
stimuli.  Apoplexy  is  also  a  cavise  of  temporary  impotence,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  paralysis  of  the  sacral  plexus  ensuing.  It  is  therefore 
vitally  important  that  in  the  consideration  of  any  case  of  impotence  every 
predisposing  cause  should  receive  attention,  so  that  restorative  efforts 
axe  based  upon  correct  principles.  No  pathological  condition  requires 
such  nicety  of  treatment  as  impotence,  and  none  that  will  so  readily  be 
remedied  if  the  medication  is  thoroughly  adapted  to  the  case.  Although 
impotence  is  the  usual  concomitant  to  long-continued  seminal  losses, 
my  experience  teaches  me  that  a  fair  proportion  of  impotent  cases  are 
the  results  of  habits  and  practices  which  are  perfectly  legitnnate,  and 
to  which  no  shadow  of  blame  or  disgrace  can  be  proijerly  attached.  It 
is  a  well-established  fact  that  too  much  mental  apjilication,  als*  con- 
stant confinement  within  doors  in  a  vitiated  atmosphere,  or  habitual  or 
sudden  exposure  to  heats  and  colds,  or  the  destroying  intluences  of 
t;.xtreun!  grief  and  care,  will  produce  all  the  evil  effects  upon  the  mental 
and  physical  organization  that  are  caused  by  and  attributed  to  solitary 
habits.  Nervous  debility,  which  is  quite  a  common  and  comprehensive 
name  for  all  failures  of  the  intellectual  or  physical  organs  or  faculties 
to  perform  their  functions  properly,  is  originated  and  nurtured,  in  both 
sexes,  by  a  variety  of  causes  as  countless  as  the  leaves  of  the  forest. 
Consequently,  people  should  not  be  backward  about  making  their  de- 
ficiencies of  mind  or  body  known  to  physicians  in  such  a  clear  and 
confidential  way  as  to  secure  to  them  the  full  restoration  of  their 
normal  health  and  vigor.  Any  course  of  life  which  is  inordinately 
irksome  or,  involves  heavy  tasks,  is  liable  to  cause  the  loss  of  virile 
power,  or  especially  in  middle  age,  impotency,  which  is  the  aggravated 
form  of  the  .same  difficulty.  Thus  we  find  that  clergymen,  merchants, 
book-keepers,  literary  workers,  men  who  are  overtaxed  by  care  and 
labor,  lawyers,  judges,  boys  confined  too  closely  at  school,  young  men 
who  .seldom  take  out-of-door  exercise,  clerks,  heads  of  public  depart- 
ments, and  all  others  who  are  constantly  wearing  and  tearii:g  both  mind 
and  body  withoxit  seeking  the  neutralizing  aid  of  rent,  amusement,  and 
change  of  scene,  are  subjected  to  some  of  the  numerous  ills  developed 
in  disabilities  and  incapabilities  which  impose  untold  suffering.  These 
ills  are   the  inheritance  of   everybody  physicaUy  and   mentally   over- 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  441 

worked,  no  matter  in  what  capacity  they  may  labor.  It  is  to  be  la- 
mented that  many  of  these  innocent  individuals,  from  the  fear  of  being 
charged  with  guilt,  suifer  long  years  in  silence  when  the  trulj'  judicioua 
course  is  to  engage  medical  aid  as  soon  as  the  fact  becomes  known. 
The  old-class  physicians  have  used  the  most  powerful  minerals  within 
their  reach,  and,  with  the  earnest  and  honest  desire  to  do  good,  have 
accompli.shed  much  that  has  been  of  tem/porary  benefit.  But  the 
reaction  from  the  use  of  these  minerals  has  been,  in  all  instances,  of  a 
non-curative  character,  the  patient  purchasing  for  temporary  enjoyment 
many  after-years  of  incapacity  and  local  weakness. 

There  is  nothing  so  discomforting  to  man  as  the  loss  of  virile  power. 
He  may  not  be  a  sensual  being,  yet  manhood  is  a  pride  to  him,  the 
possession  of  which  is  always  a  gratifying  knowledge.  Impotence  im- 
plies more  than  mere  virile  imbecility,  it  signifies  also  a  loss  of  vigor 
and  elasticity  of  the  whole  organism,  and  a  gloomy  state  and  impair- 
ment of  the  mental  faculties.  It  has  elsewhere  been  observed  that  the 
well-being  of  the  whole  economy  is  greatly  dependent  upon  healthy 
genitalia ;  and  mental  composure,  vitality  and  acuteness  of  intellect, 
graceful  and  easy  manners,  etc.,  are  no  less  independent  of  the  virile 
faculties.  Impotency  is,  therefore,  always  a  deplorable  condition,  and 
he  who  permits  himself  to  be  long  without  the  legacy  of  virility,  com- 
mits a  great  injury  upon  his  own  personal  welfare,  and  places  but  a 
poor  value  upon  the  choice  powers  of  manhood.  Man  without  virile 
power  is  an  anomaly ;  he  has  lost  his  status  of  sex,  and  is  practically  a 
eunuch  as  long  as  the  unmanly  condition  is  tolerated.  There  is  a 
higlier  motive  in  possession  of  virile  power  than  the  ability  to  gratify 
amorous  passion.  If  that  alone  gave  chief  value  to  virility,  its  loss  would 
be  but  inconsiderate,  but  as  we  have  seen  that  vigorous  manhood  is 
consonant  to  vitality  of  the  mental  and  physical  economies,  it  gains  a 
value  not  to  be  despised,  but  greatly  cherished,  even  by  the  most 
continent  and  virtuous  men.  Healthy  functions  of  the  genital  organs 
are  as  requisite  to  the  integiity  of  the  whole  organism  as  healthy 
functional  action  of  the  thoracic  and  abdominal  organs,  and  any  derange- 
ment of  the  pelvic  organs  is  capable  of  precisely  as  much,  if  not  more 
disorganization  of  the  general  health  as  a  disordered  digestive  or  circu- 
latory apparatus.  I  will  close  the  consideration  of  this  subject  by 
inviting  all  those  who  are  deficient  in  masculine  tone  or  caimcity  to  call 
on  me  in  person  or  consult  me  by  letter.     (See  page  385.) 

The  PHiLosopnY  op  Generation. 

The  greatness,  importance,  and  responsibility  of  the  marital  relation 
are  but  improperly  appreciated  and  understood  by  the  majority  of  males 
and  females  who  enter  into  that  relation.  There  is  a  momentous  duty 
to  be  performed,  far  more  iiiij)ortant  than  those  generally  supposed  to  be 


442  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

incximbcnt  upon  husband  and  wife.  We  have  in  other  places  considered 
the  more  general  duties  devolving  upon  husband  and  wife  to  be  dis- 
charged ;  we  win  in  this  place  dwell  upon  a  subject  which  of  all  others 
pertaining  to  the  conjugal  association  of  the  sexes  is  the  most  important, 
and  which-  as  a  duty  is  more  universally  neglected  and  improperly 
performed  becau.se  the  principles  and  laws  governing  generation  are  bufc 
imperfectly  understood  or  not  at  all.  The  precise  question  relative 
to  generation  which  we  purpose  to  discuss  is  the  transmission  to  chil- 
dren of  the  best  possible  mental,  physical  and  moral  attainments. 

We  have  in  another  part  of  this  work  stated  that  the  legitimate  ob- 
ject of  marriage  is  to  legalize  the  sexual  covenant,  and  to  confine  it 
within  a  healthful  and  moral  atmosphere.  This  is  not  only  the  legitimate, 
but  technically  it  is  the  only  aspect  of  which  the  law  takes  cognizance. 
Such  a  congress  is,  therefore,  legal  between  a  male  and  female  who  have 
been  bound  together  in  wedlock.  This  is  all  right  and  proper ;  but  not 
by  mere  legalized  association  can  the  welfare  of  the  race  be  best  ad- 
vanced or  secured.  The  distinguishment  of  animal  creation  into 
two  sexes  was  only  designed  by  Nature  for  one  purpose — the  multipli- 
cation of  species  ;  but  it  never  was  the  purpose  of  Nature  that  the  sexes 
should  indiscriminately  associate,  or  that  the  intent  and  design  of,  ^nulti- 
plication  would  be  fitly  subserved  in  all  cases  by  merely  allowing  any  male 
to  covenant  with  any  female,  iirespective  of  .selection.  In  the  lo\\"tr  ani- 
mals this  is  avoided  by  instinct,  but  in  man  the  restraint  is  given  by  the 
higher  impulses  of  reason.  Yet,  notwithstanding  this  high  quality  in  man, 
the  purpose  of  Nature  is  often  defeated  or  controverted  by  wilful  dis- 
regard of  the  promptings  of  an  innate  intelHgence  or  disobedience  to 
what  is  known  as  physiological  law. 

The  first  requisite  is  circumspect  marriage.  Without  the  marital 
union  of  eligible  parties  human  progress  would  be  slow,  or  unpromising. 
A  cir<;umspect  marriage  tends,  however,  to  bring  into  conjugal  union 
the  more  highly  endowed  male  with  the  more  highly  endowed  female ; 
or,  in  other  words,  the  bext  man  would  marry  only  the  befit  woman.  The 
man  having  highly  developed  physical,  mental,  and  moral,  faculties  would 
only  be  content  in  marrying  a  vvomau  with  similarly  developed  faculties, 
and  in  such  a  union  we  have  the  basis  for  highly  endowed  oiispring. 
In  another  essay  are  given  the  precautions  candidates  should  observe 
prior  to  consummating  marriage,  and  if  the  instructions  therein  given 
should  be  heeded,  unfit  marriages  would  be  of  rarer  occurrence. 

But  in  marriage,  proper  or  improper,  a  duty  has  to  be  performed, 
neglect  of  which  is  sinning  against  the  welfare  of  the  whole  race. 
The  aim  of  all  mamed  people  should  be  the  bringing  into  the  world  of 
healthy  children,  not  physically  only,  but  mentally  and  morally  also. 
The  great<:st  achievement  and  proudest  monument  of  parentage  is  in 
giving  to  the  world  such  oiispring  as  will  act  well  their  part  in  the  great 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  443 

drama  of  life.  ITow  is  it  to  be  done  ?  Can  parents  so  regulate  the  gea- 
tatory  process  as  to  give  their  children  at  birth  the  heritage  of  physical 
excellence,  large  mental  capacity,  and  superior  moral  disposition  ?  As- 
suredly they  can  ;  it  requires  but  willingness  and  effort  in  the  right  di- 
rection. The  mother  who  imparts  to  the  being  hid  away  in  her  loins 
her  personal  features,  her  disposition,  etc.,  can  impart  much  more  by 
proper  effort.  The  father,  from  whom  the  male  formative  material  is 
received,  can  do  much  for  the  welfare  of  that  being  evolved  from  that 
material.  For  all  that  it  is,  the  cliild  is  indebted  to  either  one  of  the 
parents;  from  them  is  received  the  human  qualities  it  possesses  or  ex- 
hibits. Subsequent  care,  training,  and  education  may  do  much,  but  the 
original  bias  is  received  within  the  confines  of  the  womb. 

Not  much  need  be  said  as  to  the  transmission  of  mental  superiority 
to  children.  If  the  parents  are  intelligent  and  educated,  the  children 
will  also  have  large  mental  capacity.  Subsequent  mental  training  will 
serve  to  give  offspring  that  mental  culture  which  in  the  present  pro- 
gressive period  of  the  human  race  each  individual  being  should  possess. 
Intelligence,  not  ignorance,  now  holds  sway  ;  and  no  one  can  harnaoni- 
ously  glide  along  with  the  current  of  human  progress  without  a  cultiva- 
ted mind.  If  mothers,  therefore,  have  tastes  for  the  intellectual  pur- 
suits, let  them  not  abandon  them  while  another  life  is  developing. 

The  transmission  of  moral  qualities  is  more  readily  accomplished.  To 
what  extent  they  can  be  transmitted  is  not  readily  definable,  but  it  is  a 
well-settled  fact  in  psychology  that  the  moral  habit  readily  <lescends 
from  parent  to  child.  This  fact  is  exemplified  in  the  history  of  nearly 
every  family,  for  in  nearly  every  case  the  moral  tone  of  the  children 
represents  that  of  the  parents,  at  least  as  far  as  disposition  is  concerned. 
Vicious  association  may  destroy  the  moral  tone,  even  if  the  disposition 
is  unfavorable  ;  but  when  the  disposition  is  favorable  to  moral  excellence 
the  inclination  to  vice  is  strongly  curbed,  and  moral  degeneration  is  not 
so  easily  effected,  even  if  the  child  is  surrounded  by  all  the  allursments 
of  vice.  On  the  mother,  then,  a  high  duty  rests — she  is  chargeable  with 
the  moral  tone  of  society,  not  by  neglecting  the  supervision  of  the  moral 
faculties  of  her  born  children  so  much  as  by  indifference  when  a 
human  soul  is  undergoing  intra-uteriue  development.  Motherhood 
comes  to  many  most  unwelcomely  ;  the  trials  and  cares  incident  to  it  are 
not  favorably  regarded ;.  but  there  are  few  women  in  whom  the  mater- 
nal instinct  is  so  deficient  that  they  would,  with  sheer  malice,  endeavor 
to  give  birth  to  a  babe  so  weighted  with  the  destiny  of  a  bad  organiza- 
tion, as  to  make  them  through  life  utterly  insensible  to  all  the  moral  re- 
lations of  life.  Yet  such  a  legacy  is  completely  within  the  power  of  a 
mother  to  give.  If  she  is  not  elevated  by  purity  of  thought  and  of  ac- 
tion, if  not  ennobled  by  intensity  of  maternal  feeling,  and  if  not  actu- 
ated by  constant  solicitude  for  the  welfare  of  her  unborn  babe,  the  or- 


444  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

ganization  of  the  child  will  be  unquestionably  vicious.  She  should  re- 
member that  the  child  in  uterine  life  has  no  blood  but  that  of  its 
mother;  all  that  courses  through  its  veins  and  arteries  also  courses 
through  the  blood-vessels  of  the  mother.  How  important  it  is  then  for 
mothers  to  guard  against  everything  calculated  to  disturb  the  harmony 
and  regularity  of  tbe  vascular  current ! 

The  child  in  utero  is  technically  but  an  appendage  or  parasite,  over 
A\hich  the  maternal  mind  and  body  exerts  a  marked  influence;  conse- 
quently, if  mothers  in  the  pregnant  state  pay  heed  to  the  moral  relations 
of  life,  curb  for  the  time  any  evil  disposition  they  may  have,  take  pleasure 
only  in  that  which  is  pure  and  uiuight — in  short,  lead  a  blameless  moral 
life — they  will  most  surely  be  blest  with  offspring  in  whom  the  disposi- 
tion will  be  kind  and  the  moral  tone  exalted.  Let  me  then  say  to  expect- 
ant mothers  :  enlighten  and  elevate  the  moral  sentiments,  exercise  desir- 
able talents,  cultivate  beautiful  qualities ;  for  if  you  do,  they  wUl  certam- 
ly  bloom  in  great  brilliancy  in  your  children  and  children's  children.  So, 
too,  if  there  exists  among  the  subtleties  of  your  character  any  dark 
spot,  exert  all  your  moral  strength  in  order  to  eradicate  it.  Surround 
the  gi'owiug  soul  with  good  influences  ;  cultivate  all  noble  impulse,  all 
holy  aspirations  ;  breathe  into  the  opening  flower,  by  the  magic  pOwer 
of  a  mother's  love,  such  knowledge  and  moral  legacy  as  will  prepiire  it 
for  the  world  in  all  its  antagonisms  ;  and  you  will  see  in  the  final  fruit 
the  rewaid  for  all  your  care,  self-denial,  and  self -abnegation.  Husbands 
must  learn  to  recognize  this  supreme  power  of  their  wives  over  the 
ante-natal  life  (both  mental  and  physical),  and  they  must  observe  such 
a  line  of  conduct  as  not  to  frustrate  any  endeavor  to  exercise  it  rightly, 
but  should  give  them  the  best  possible  conditions  to  improve  it. 

How  can  parents  have  healthy  children  ?  This  is  a  question  of  such 
significant  importance  to  married  people  that  it  should  engage  their 
most  earnest  thought  and  liveliest  interest,  for  parents  can  by  judicioua 
care  and  careful  practice  endow  their  offspring  with  most  excellent  phy- 
sical vigor.  To  effect  this  it  is  only  necessary  that  they  should  them- 
selves be  healthy,  or  to  render  inert  by  proper  medication  the  tendency 
of  transmission  of  any  infirmity  or  disease  with  which  they  maj-  them- 
selves be  alllicted.  The  most  potential  cause  of  degenerate  health  in 
offspring  is  the  ruinous  effect  of  nervous  debility.  Any  male  who  previ- 
ous to  marriage  practised  .self-abuse,  and  who  married  while  suffer- 
ing from  the  effects  of  such  a  pernicious  habit,  cannot  furnish  for 
the  purjjo.ses  of  generation  such  perfection  of  formative  material  as 
will  insure  full  health  in  the  being  that  evolves  therefrom.  The  seminal 
liquid  is  diseased,  and  carries  with  it  the  germs  of  low  vitality  and 
poverty  of  jihysical  endurance  or  capacity.  For  this  reason  the  author 
discountenances  marriage  m  those  who  by  youthful  errors  induced 
the  iuvoluutaiy  expeudituro  of  aouieu,  because  that  affection  destroys 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  445 

the  instinct  of  propagation,  and  renders  the  sufferer  incapable  or  unfit 
to  afford  such  formative  material  as  will  result  in  healthy  products  of 
conception.  I  therefore  adjure  all  these  suffering  from  this  infirmity 
not  to  marry  until  by  proper  and  skilful  treatment  a  healthy  integiity 
of  the  organs  is  fully  re-established.  If  those  who  are  married  suffer 
from  the  unmanly  losses  of  semen,  they  shoidd  by  all  means  make  early 
endeavors  to  have  their  manhood  restored  in  all  its  fulness.  Tho.se  who 
are  partially  impotent  should  not  neglect  to  secure  the  required  treat- 
ment— such  as  will  restore  virile  vigor  and  healthy  procreating  power. 
Medical  treatment  is  of  the  greatest  importance,  and,  assuredly,  it  is 
only  those  who  have  fidl  manly  vigor  and  integrity  that  can  hope  for 
healthy  offspring.  It  is  scarcely  an  allowable  exercise  of  privilege  for 
any  male  to  marry  if  suffering  from  the  effects  of  indiscretions,  as  it  is 
well  known  to  every  plij'siologist  that  procreative  capacity  is  lessened 
thereby,  and  off.sjjiing  usually  of  feeble  mind  and  body  and  low  moral 
tone.  Let  all  such  sufferers  then  fully  appreciate  the  responsibility  of 
the  married  state,  and  only  enter  its  portals  with  healthy  genital  organs 
and  proper  virile  capacity.  This  advice  should  be  heeded  by  all  who 
properly  estimate  marital  eligibility.  Their  first  duty  is  to  engage  the 
services  of  a  competent  physician,  who  will  by  proper  treatment  restore 
the  proper  integrity  of  the  organs,  impart  the  required  vigor,  and  secure 
the  necessary  conditions  for  healthy  propagation. 

Eligibility  for  motherhood  requires  full  integrity  of  womanhood.  No 
liealthy  babe  can  be  born  if  its  ante-natal  life  is  jiassed  in  a  diseased  uter- 
ine cavity.  Women  suffering  from  iuilammation  or  ulceration  of  the 
mucous  membrane  lining  the  uterine  cavity  cannot  possibly  give  birth 
to  a  healthy  child.  It  Ls  then  a  high  duty  for  all  wives  to  make  all  po.s- 
sible  effort  to  become  sexually  healthy,  and  if  they  have  the  prudence 
to  engage  the  proper  herbal  treatment  they  will  certainly  regain  the  re- 
quired feminine  vigor  and  motherhood  will  be  a  blessing  instead  of  a 
curse. 

Proper  treatment  will  even  avert  the  transmission  of  scrofula,  epi- 
lepsy, consumption,  and  other  diseases  capable  of  hereditation.  This 
must  be  given  while  the  child  is  developing  within  the  uterine  cavity. 
The  disease  in  the  parent  may  not  be  cured,  but  rational  treatment, 
under  the  guidance  of  a  skillful  physician,  can  so  modify  the  gestatory 
process  as  to  effectually  prevent  the  child  from  being  born  with  a  simi- 
lar diathesis. 

This  subject  is  one  of  the  most  important  within  the  whole  range  of 
medicine,  and  should  engage  the  interest  of  all ;  it  concerns  not  only  in- 
dividual welfare,  but  the  health  and  the  mental  and  moral  well-being 
of  the  whole  human  race. 

The  author  gladly  gives  advice  to  those  who  may  need  counsel  or 
treatment.     Parents  who  submit  their  cases  for  my   consideration  will 


446  THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

be  fully  advised  what  course  should  be  pvirsued.     All  communications 
held  inviolably  secret.     (Sec  page  o8a  i'or  guidance  as  to  consultation.) 

Divorce. 

This  implies  the  separation  of  the  married  pah:,  by  legal  dissolution 
of  the  matrimonial  bonds.  Divorces  are  most  commonly  given  by  the 
courts  for  causes  occurring  after  marriage  ;  but  jurists,  in  treating  upon 
this  subject,  also  include  those  causes  by  which  a  marriage  may  be  ren- 
dered nuU  upon  antecedent  grounds;  as  where  a  marriage  was  accom- 
plished by  forcible  or  fraudulent  means,  or  where,  in  consequence  of 
near  consanguinity,  the  act  of  cohabitation  between  the  pair  is  by  law 
considered  incestuous.  Where  a  physical  incapacity  for  marriage  pre- 
vails in  one  of  the  parties,  divorces  are  usually  granted  by  nearly  all 
courts,  provided  such  an  incapacity  existed  previous  to  marriage. 

It  is  not  our  purpose,  however,  to  discuss  the  subject  in  its  legal 
aspect,  however  interesting  it  might  be,  but  to  consider  it  rather  in  its 
popular  sense.  It  is  not  within  the  province  of  the  medical  writer  to 
consider  the  subject  relative  to  its  legal  bearings,  though  he  may  with 
propriety  give  the  subject  the  attention  it  claims  with  reference  to  abuse 
of  the  marital  privilege.  There  are  practically  many  divorces  between 
husbands  and  wives,  of  which  the  law  takes  no  cognizance,  and  for 
causes  for  which  no  court  would  grant  a  dispensation.  The  author  is 
fully  aware  that  the  divorce  laws  are  not  any  too  stringent,  and  probably 
too  facile  in  many  commonwealths  ;  but,  while  he  is  by  no  means  in 
favor  of  easy  divorce  laws,  he  is  ready  to  admit  that  the  strong  hand  of 
the  law  sometimes  is  not  waved  to  the  side  of  justice,  but  inflicts  in- 
tolerable anguish  by  enforcing  a  matrimonial  existence  which  in  its 
very  nature  is  adverse  to  the  veiy  spirit  and  essence  of  matrimony. 

It  is  practically  divorcing  the  marriage  tie  when  mutual  love  no  longer 
characterizes  the  union.  The  only  bond  that  unites  and  that  makes  the 
imion  an  inseparable  one  is  love,  and  not  the  mere  formal  ceremony  of 
espousal.  The  law,  however,  does  not  and  cannot  recognize  anything 
but  the  vinculum  mutrlmonii  as  binding,  but  the  philosopher  delves 
deeper,  and  while  he  does  not  dispute  the  necessity  of  legal  ceremonies, 
he  nevertheless  knows  that  marriage  is  in  its  very  essence  not  such  a 
union  as  defined  by  law,  but  a  linking  of  affections,  a  union  of  souls  and 
hearts.  Marriage  is  practically  annulled  when  love  is  no  longer  the 
cord  of  union ;  without  mutual  affection  the  association  becomes  in- 
tolerable, the  higher  purposes  of  the  tie  are  defeated,  and  the  sacred 
precinct  is  invaded  by  elements  foreign  to  the  psychical  character  of  the 
marital  atmosphere.  Law  can,  however,  not  remedy  this ;  the  candi- 
dates for  marriage  must,  as  before  advised,  exercise  such  precautions, 
that  they  may  not  deceive  themselves,  and  only  form  a  matrimonial 
alliance  that  augurs  a  congenial   wedded  life.      Divorces  cannot  be 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  447' 

granted  for  uncongeniality,  provided  no  actual  infringement  of  the  mar- 
riage bond  has  been  committed,  and  cannot  extend  a  dispensation 
because  married  life  is  loveless.  Abuse  of  its  privileges  would  follow, 
and  divorce  laws  should  therefore  of  necessity  be  stringent,  so  that 
marriages  be  not  recklessly  contracted,  and  obliging  intended  union  to 
be  the  result  of  guarded  and  careful  deliberation,  as  it  is  easier  to  prevent 
mistakes  than  to  rectify  them.  Neghgence  of  consulting  the  better 
knowledge  brings  its  own  reward,  and,  however  intolerable  the  punish- 
ment, a  separation  cannot  ensue  by  virtue  of  law.  Humanity  would 
grant  the  dissolution  of  the  tie,  but  the  purity  and  purpose  of  law  must 
be  protected.  Strmgency  must  shield  it  from  disgrace,  or  the  possible 
chance  of  its  becoming  the  agent  whereby  injury  may  be  done,  or  flagrant 
violations  of  matrimonial  duty  may  be  prompted  by  its  laxity.  Every 
candidate  should  lose  sight  of  every  consideration  except  that  of  happi- 
ness in  married  life,  and  see  that  no  one  can  exclaim 

"  She  (or  he)  whom  the  law  calls  youra, 
Is  by  her  (or  his)  love  made  mine." 

In  nearly  all  courts,  adultery  is  sufficient  cause  for  divorce,  and  very 
properly  so.  It  is  the  most  heinous  violation  of  the  duty  and  trust  at- 
tached to  a  conjugal  union.  Everything  besides  pales  in  comparison 
with  adultery  in  the  enormity  of  its  malfeasance  in  the  marital  sphere. 
It  is  such  a  flagrant  abuse  of  duty  and  fidelity  that  the  conjugal  pair 
owe  to  each  other,  that  it  has  even  been  recognized  by  divine  law  as 
sufficient  cause  for  divorce,  and  as  long  as  civilization  has  a  foothold, 
and  morality  considered  a  virtue,  so  long  will  adultery  be  regarded 
subversive  to  the  integrity  of  the  conjugal  union.  It  is  a  crime  ad- 
mitting of  no  extenuation,  and  incapable  of  condonement  by  the 
morally  upright  or  the  virtuous  pure.  It  is  the  brand  that  inflames  the 
worst  passions  in  the  one  who  has  thus  been  injured  and  disgraced  by 
his  or  her  conjugal  associate,  surely  engendering  hate  and  detestation  if 
the  proper  value  is  placed  upon  marital  loyalty.  The  bubble  that  has 
just  burst  is  as  easily  reconstructed  as  to  again  establi.sh  confidence, 
peace  and  happiness  in  that  family,  of  which  either  the  husband  or 
wife  has  sinned.  The  wound  is  incurable,  and  prolongation  of  the 
wedded  association  only  aggravates.  Therefore,  the  only  remedy  is  a 
legal  separation  from  the  one  who  has  proved  so  unworthy  of  marital 
trust.  It  is  not  enough  that  the  husband  and  wife  should  be  guiltless 
of  adultery,  but  their  conduct  must  be  such  as  to  arouse  no  suspicion 
of  neighbors  or  others.  The  conduct  must  be  so  guarded  that  loyalty 
is  not  doubted,  but  manifested  even  under  circumstances  where  the 
liability  to  err  is  great,  so  that  fidelity  is  established,  and  suspicion  dis- 
armed. 

That  wife,  who,  by  her  conduct  in  society,  or  in  her  social  intercourse 


448  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

with  other  men,  brings  upon  her  mistrust,  and  who  provokes  public 
Bcandal  by  her  vagaries  and  lax  conduct,  actually  debauches  her  hus- 
band's good  name,  and  does  him  as  much  injury  as  she  would  were  she 
giiilty  of  adultery.  She  may  never  have  committed  the  act,  and  prob- 
ably never  would,  but  her  deportment  is  such  as  to  lead  observers 
to  the  opinion  that  she  would  prove  disloyal  if  circumstances  favored, 
thereby  committing  a  gi'ievous  wrong,  and  staining  the  honor  and  good 
name  of  her  husband  to  an  unwarrantable  extent.  The  man  that 
brings  to  his  bride  the  legacy  of  honor  and  respectability  is  greatly  in- 
jured if  she  by  her  immoral  conduct  begets  the  suspicion  as  to  loyalty 
of  his  friends  and  neighbors,  and  she  is  unworthy  of  his  love  and  pro- 
tection if  she  so  far  forgets  her  duty  as  bring  a  stain  upon  his  character 
by  her  own  imprudence.  She  is  guilty  of  adulterous  proclivities,  which 
should  be  considered  sufficient  cause  for  divorce,  even  if  adultery 
cannot  be  proven.  On  the  other  hand,  the  husband,  who  by  improper 
behavior  in  company,  is  so  unguarded  as  to  be  suspected  for  his  loyalty 
and  attachment  to  his  wife,  is  unworthy  of  her,  and  cannot,  justify  his 
conduct  by  even  the  most  liberal  interpretation  of  the  marriage  contract. 
It  would,  unquestionably,  be  well  if  the  law  would  recognize  conduct 
that  suggests  an  adulterous  proclivity  as  sufficient  for  divorce,  e'^n  if 
adultery  jwr  se  cotdd  not  be  proven,  as  it  would  most  probably  have  a 
sahitary  effect  in  counteracting  the  tendency  to  the  degeneracy  of 
modern  free-loveism. 

The  cry  of  many  wives  of  the  present  day,  who  think  that  their  duty 
to  society  is  pai'amouut  to  the  duty  they  owe  to  their  husbands  is — 
Would  j'ou  exclude  us  from  society  ?  Am  I  to  be  imprisoned  in  the  home 
you  afford  me  and  not  be  allowed  to  receive  my  friends,  or  to  mingle 
again  with  society  V  No,  not  at  all ;  the  seclusivism  of  the  harem  is  not 
calculated  to  promote  the  best  interests  of  conjugal  life  ;  but  it  is  to  be 
insisted  upon  that  when  wives  are  in  society  their  conduct  should  be  so 
dignified,  so  hedged  in  with  propriety,  that  their  reputation  remaina 
unsullied,  that  the  most  suspicious  need  not  suspect,  and  that  the  liber- 
tine is  given  no  opportunity  to  make  his  offensive  proposals,  nor  his 
heart  gratified  by  a  passive  submission  to  his  lascivious  conversation, 
looks,  and  hints.  Ctesar  claimed  not  too  much  in  his  requirements  of  a 
wife — she  should  m  all  respects  be  above  suspicion.  The  wife's  greatest 
pride  should  be  the  observance  of  such  a  line  of  conduct  as  meets  her  hus- 
band's approval.  All  her  actions  should  be  characterized  by  purity  and 
fid(!lity,  and  no  cause  should  be  given  for  unpleasant  comment.  Such 
noble  wives  are  denominated  the  oppressed,  the  slaves  of  men,  etc.,  etc., 
by  the  Women's  Rights  women;  but  they  are  not, — they  and  they  only 
are  the  idols  of  men,  at  least  of  those  whose  affections  are  pure  and 
worth  having.  The  angelic  quality  of  women,  so  often  the  theme  of 
poets  and  lovers,  is  ^.urely  only  manifested  by  the  virtuous  and  in  tha 


THE    COMPLETE    IIEUnALIST.  449 

faithftil.  The  very  existence  of  civilization  is  dependent  tipon  virtuous 
women  and  faithful  wives  ;  men  may  become  depraved,  but  as  long  as 
women  remain  pure,  civilization,  morality,  and  religion  will  be  fostered 
and  propagated.  If  women  live  the  truth  and  act  the  truth,  humanity 
will  ever  be  blessed  with  the  benefits  of  civilization. 

To  the  sterner  sex  the  mantle  of  virtue  is  no  less  becoming  ;  and  fidel- 
ity is  as  much  of  an  adornment  and  requirement  to  them  as  of  the 
gentler  sex.  The  libertine  is  a  despicable  creature  ;  and  the  adulterer 
is  so  lost  to  honor  and  nobility  of  character,  that  his  presence  in  the  so- 
ciety of  the  pure  and  good  should  be  considered  an  outrage  upon  de- 
cency and  propriety.  Chastity  is  a  superior  virtue,  and  loyalty  in  vv^edlock 
a  noble  attribute  ;  and  whichever  one  of  the  conjugal  pair  proves  reck- 
less to  these  connubial  trusts  is  unworthy  of  marital  companionship  and 
defiles  a  sacred  institution. 

BRIDAL  TOURS. 

"Some  essays  have  been  written  on  the  barbarisms  of  civilization; 
many  more  might  be.  Many  of  the  habits  prevailing  in  what  ought  to 
be  our  most  refined  society  are  at  variance  with  almost  elementary  ideas 
of  decency.  Others  are  equally  marked  in  their  injurious  physical  ten- 
dencies. It  is  not  surprising  that  clergymen,  even  when  not  of  the 
strictest  sect,  and  philosophers  of  no  i:)articular  sect  at  all,  have  de- 
claimed against  fashionable  dresses  and  dances  at  late  hours.  But  there 
are  other  customs  agauist  which  no  church  has  fulminated  its  anathe- 
mas, the  dangers  and  absurdities  of  which  no  fidgety  reformer  has  i^er- 
ceived  or  noticed.     One  of  these  conspicuously  is  the  Bridal  Tour. 

"  Let  us  illustrate  by  a  typical  case.  During  one  of  the  earliest  and 
coldest  '  cold  snaps '  there  comes  off  a  wedding,  which,  from  the  official 
standing  of  the  parties,  naturally  attracts  some  attention.  We  are  soon 
told  that  the  '  happy  couple '  are  off  on  their  wedding  trip  to — well, 
not  exactly  Alaska  or  Greenland,  but  a  territory  nearly  as  frigid,  and 
that  part  of  the  journey  is  to  be  made  in  stages  or  sleighs.  The  intense 
excitement  in  appropriateness  of  the  proceeding,  the  wonderful  pains 
taken  by  these  people  to  make  themselves  uncomfortable  on  what  is 
supposed  to  be  the  most  festive  occasion  in  their  lives,  would  move  one 
to  Homeric  laughter,  did  not  events  disastrous  to  the  health  of  the  con- 
jugal pair  usually  follow  so  closely  on  the  heels  of  bridal  tours."  If  the 
parties  are  not  as  high  in  the  social  scale  and  less  wealthy,  the  mischief 
done  is  as  great,  if  not  greater,  for  m  their  tour  tliey  may  lack  substan- 
tial comforts  which  the  wealthy  alone  can  afford.  To  all  married  cou- 
ples a  bridal  tour  seems  to  be  considered  as  absolutely  essential  to  give 
the  marital  union  au  importance,  without  which  it  would,   in  their 

opinion,  be  an  uiu'omantic  and  but  partial  marriage. 

2  D 


450  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

Looking  at  the  custom  from  an  aesthetic  and  sentimental  point  of 
view,  nothing  can  be  more  repulsive.  An  American  marriage  is  theo- 
retically a  love  match,  and  it  is  generally  so  in  practice.  Now  two  per- 
sons in  love  want  to  see  as  much  as  possible  of  each  other,  and  as  little 
as  possible  of  other  people.  It  is  to  that  we  find  exceptions;  there  are 
individuals  whose  diseased  vanity  desires  to  give  publicity  to  every  act 
of  their  life.  It  is  a  misfortune  that  these  vulgarians  are  not  rarer  in 
every  class.  An  instinct  of  seclusion  and  modesty  should  be  the  general 
rule,  but  this  absurd  custom  forces  a  new-married  couple  to  put  on  an 
unnatural  restraint  on  their  legitimate  affection,  or  to  make  themselves 
ridiculous  before  the  public.  Love,  both  emotional  and  passionate,  is 
usually  most  exuberant  to  those  recently  joined  in  wedlock,  and  philoso- 
phy would  suggest  the  exercise  to  be  confined  more  to  seclusion  than 
the  si)oradic  opportunities  afforded  in  a  wedding  tour. 

Now,  in  the  common-sense,  practical,  man-of-the-world  point  of 
view,  the  fashionable  practice  is  equally  objectionable.  It  is  notorious 
that  nothing,  except  marriage  itself,  tries  the  temper  more  than  joint 
travel.  Therefore,  at  the  very  outset  of  their  life-partnershji),  the 
quality  on  which  the  hapi^iness  of  that  union  principally  depends  ia 
put  to  the  rudest  strain.  The  happy  couple  expose  themselves^to  the 
insolence  of  hackmen  and  hotel-clerks,  the  discomforts  of  rail  and  hotel, 
irregular  hours  and  uncertain  meals.  The  Irishman,  in  the  song,  mar- 
ried a  wife  to  make  him  "  unaisy."  A  wedding  tour  on  one  of  our  great 
thoroughfares  of  travel  is  admirably  contrived  to  accomplish  this  result 
for  both  parties. 

All  this,  however,  it  may  be  suggested,  is  matter  of  taste.  We  cannot 
exx^ect  to  shape  the  caprices  of  fashion  or  custom  by  the  dictates  of 
deliberate  philosophy.  But  what  follows  is  not  a  questionable  point  of 
taste  or  comfort ;  it  is  a  matter  of  downright  fact,  as  certain  as  if  it 
could  be  mathematically  demonstrated. 

The  consummation  of  marriage  is,  with  the  exception  of  child-birth. 
the  most  critical  period,  physically,  of  the  woman's  life.  After  the 
moral  and  physical  excitement  which  attends  it,  her  system  demands 
rest,  repose,  quiet,  regular  and  good  living,  a  supporting  and  restora- 
tive way  of  life.  If  these  can  be  secured  for  some  weeks,  so  much  the 
better,  but  .at  any  rate  they  are  necessary  for  some  days.  Her  emo- 
tional nature  attains  the  highest  state  of  excitement,  in  consequence  of 
assisting  in  a  repast  which  is  approached  only  by  intense  agitation,  no 
m.atter  how  much  .she  may  feel  it  to  be  a  legitimate  incident  to  marriage. 
This  makes  it  doubly  exh.austive.  and  not  only  her  health  for  the  rest  of 
her  raort.al  existence,  but  the'health  and  strength  of  her  offspring  may 
be,  and  often  are,  materially  affected  by  the  want  of  proper  care  at  this 
time.  Instead  of  which,  the  bridal  tour  piles  on  additional  excitement 
and  fatigue,  makes  regularity  of  life  iv.ipossible — in  short,  the  act  ia- 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  451 

volves  the  reverse  of  all  that  the  rules  of  health  and  physiology  require. 
There  is  an  underlying  sense  of  modesty  which  may  urge  the  bride  on 
to  a  journey  immediately  after  marriage.  The  new  condition  of  life 
exacts  changes  which  she  rather  would  fulfil  among  strangers  than  in 
her  own  or  husband's  domicile.  It  may  confuse  the  modest  and  retir- 
ing woman  to  assume  the  conjugal  associations  in  presence  of  her 
parents,  brothers,  and  sisters ;  but  as  this  is  one  of  the  modesties  not 
really  commendable,  however  natural  it  may  be,  it  does  not  afEord  suf- 
ficient inducement  for  encountering  all  the  vicissitudes  of  a  wedding 
tour. 

For  man  too,  at  this  time,  repose  and  calm,  though  not  so  necessary, 
are  highly  desirable.  It  constantly  happens,  in  the  case  of  both  sexes, 
that  a  slight  indisposition,  which  passed  unnoticed  in  the  huny  of  pre- 
paration, is  aggravated  to  a  serious  and  even  fatal  extent  by  the  excite- 
ment, exposure,  and  neglect  consequent  on  the  wedding  tour.  No  man, 
for  instance,  would  think  of  postponing  his  marriage  on  account  of  a 
slight  cold.  If  he  stayed  quietly  at  home  afterward,  and  took  care  of 
himself,  it  would  pass  away  like  other  slight  colds  ;  but  he  goes  off  on  a 
bridal  tour  in  the  depth  of  winter,  and  the  malady  develops  into  a 
chronic  pvdmonary  complaint.  Nor  would  a  young  woman  put  oti  her 
marriage  because  she  felt  a  little  extra  lassitude  and  want  of  appetite, 
with  an  occasional  headache,  which,  however,  may  be  premonitory 
Bjinptoms  of  typhoid  fever.  If  you  take  typhoid  fever  in  time,  there  is 
nothing  specially  dangerous  about  it ;  care,  patience,  and  slight  treat- 
ment are  only  necessary,  and  it  runs  its  course.  But,  if  neglected  at 
first,  it  is  almost  inevitably  fatal.  Many  cases  of  bi'ides  and  bride- 
grooms, in  my  profesional  experience,  came  under  my  observation,  dying 
of  tyi^hoid  fever  just  after  a  wedding  trip,  which  had  caused  the  early 
symptoms  to  be  misunderstood  and  neglected.  And  I  have  known 
things  worse  than  death  to  happen — insanity,  temporary  or  permanent, 
brought  on  by  the  extra  fatigue  and  excitement  of  the  wedding  journey. 

One  old  New  York  custom,  and  probably  to  some  extent  prevailing  in 
other  places,  was  infinitely  more  rational.  The  new-married  couple 
took  up  their  quarters  at  the  house  of  the  bride's  father,  and  remained 
there  in  seclusion  for  a  week.  The  only  fault  about  this  aiTangement 
was  the  shortness  of  time,  but  for  a  week,  at  any  rate,  they  had  abso- 
lute repose  and  quiet,  and  enjoyed  all  the  comforts  of  a  home  without 
the  trouble  of  housekeeping.  For  one  week,  at  least,  the  inter-com- 
munion of  the  conjugal  pair  was  unhampered,  and  secured  against  the 
criticism  and  gaze  of  the  pubUc. 

The  present  fashion  of  bridal  tours  is  an  unmeaning  and  unreasonable 
imitation  of  the  European,  especially  the  English  practice.  The  original 
English  theory  of  a  wedding  trip  is,  driving  in  a  comfortable  carnage,  at 
a  rate  of  speed  just  sufficient  to  exL  Llarate  without  fatiguing,  over  good 


452  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST, 

roads,  in  weather  which  may  be  pleasant  or  unpleasant,  but  is  never  dan- 
gerously cold  or  dangerously  hot,  to  some  secluded  country-place  or  seaside 
\-illage,  and  resting  there  a  month.  The  new  mode  of  continental  tours 
is  in  some  respects  just  as  absurd  as  ours,  though  the  advantage  of  climate 
lessens  the  fatigue  and  physical  risk  to  some  extent.  The  notorious 
mutability  of  our  climate  is  in  itself  reason  enough  why  a  bride  should 
not  be  exposed  to  the  accidents  of  travel. 

It  will  thus  be  seen  that  the  medical  aspect  of  a  bridal  tour  is  suffi- 
ciently important,  and  the  risk  incurred  sufficiently  great,  to  cause  the 
wedded  jiair,  if  they  wish  to  be  actuated  with  impulses  of  reason  and 
pi-udence,  rather  than  by  the  dictates  of  custom,  to  pause  before  they 
undergo  the  trials  of  a  wedding  journey.  It  would  certainly  be  more 
conducive  to  their  health  and  happiness  if  they  were  guided  by  a  better 
reason  in  this  respect,  and  leave  wedding  trips  to  be  indulged  in  by  those 
who  would  rather  run  the  risk  of  injuring  their  health  and  general  well- 
being  than  offend  a  fashionable  practice.  It  is  a  fashionable  vulgarity, 
and  not  prompted  by  the  behests  of  good-breeding  and  social  dignity. 


POISONS  AND   THEIE  ANTIDOTES.  ^ 

Nothing  that  appertains  to  domestic  treatment  is  of  greater  value  than 
a  knowledge  of  poisons,  and  the  treatment  necessary  in  cases  of  acci- 
dental or  premeditated  poisoning.  So  many  substances  of  a  poisonous 
nature  are  used  in  manufactures  among  farmers,  mechanics,  and  also  in 
private  houses,  it  will  be  useful  to  have  a  guide  to  refer  to  in  case  of 
accident,  for  in  almost  every  case  of  poisoning  the  antidote  must  be  in- 
Btantlj'  given  or  else  success  cannot  be  expected.  In  all  cases,  unless 
the  physician  is  within  immediate  call,  no  time  is  allowed  to  engage  his 
services  ;  hence  the  great  importance  of  every  one  supplying  himself  with 
the  requisite  knowledge  to  treat  any  or  all  cases  of  poisouiug. 

Precaution  with  regard  to  poisons  is  very  necessary.  In  every  family, 
manufactory,  etc.,  where  poisons  are  required  and  used,  the  antidotes 
should  also  be  kept  for  use  whenever  occasion  calls  for  them.  Again, 
when  poisons  are  used  for  any  purpose,  it  is  not  enough  to  know  that 
they  are  pmsonous,  but  it  should  also  be  known  of  what  they  are  com- 
posed. For  instance,  corrosive  sublimate  may  be  used,  and  by  accident 
a  poisonous  dose  may  be  taken  of  it ;  but,  unless  known  that  it  is  a  pre- 
paration of  mercury,  the  treatment  must  necessarily  lie  of  a  vague  and 
uncertain  character. 

As  a  general  rule,  in  all  cases  of  poisoning,  especially  if  seen  immedi- 
ately after  the  poison  has  been  swallowed,  the  indication  is  to  make  the 
person  vomit.  To  bring  this  about  give  a  teaspoonful  of  mustard  in  a 
tumbler  of  water,  or  two  or  three  teaspoonfuls  of  powdered  alum  in  the 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  453 

eatne  way.     Vomiting  can  in  all  cases  be  promoted  by  tickling  the  throat 
with  a  feather. 

Arsenic. 

Articles. — Scheele's  green,  arsenious  acid,  orpiment,  king's  yellow, 
realgar,  fly  powder,  ague  drops,  arsenical  paste  and  arsenical  soap,  rat 
poison. 

Symptoms. — Pain  and  burning  in  the  stomach,  dryness  of  throat, 
cramps,  purging,  vomiting,  hoarseness  and  difficulty  of  speech,  eyes  red 
and  sparkling,  suppression  of  urine,  matter  vomited  greenish  or  yel- 
lowish. 

Treatment. — Give  large  quantities  of  milk  and  raw  eggs,  lime- 
water,  or  flour  and  water.  Then  castor-oil ;  or,  if  tincture  of  iron  is 
within  reach,  take  from  half  to  a  full  teaspoonfiil  of  it,  and  mix  with  it 
a  little  bicarbonate  of  soda  or  saleratus,  and  administer  it  to  the  per- 
son, and  follow  it  with  an  emetic.  This  acts  as  a  real  antidote— the 
chemical  combination  resulting  being  insoluble  in  the  fluids  of  the 
stomach. 

Acids. 

Articles. — Oxalic  (salts  of  sorrel),  sulphuric  (oil  of  vitriol),  nitric 
(aquafortis),  muriatic  (spirit  of  salt),  but  not  prussic  acid. 

Symptoms. — These  acids  are  all  corrosive,  and  hence  produce  horri- 
ble burning  and  sour  pain  from  the  mouth  downwards.  The  skin  and 
mucous  membrane  of  the  lips,  mouth,  aud  throat  is  eaten  away.  The 
patient  experiences  great  thirst,  and  purges  blood,  and  has  excruciat- 
ing pain  in  the  stomach. 

Treatment. — Put  an  ounce  of  calcined  magnesia  into  a  pint  of  water, 
and  give  a  wineglassful  every  two  or  three  minutes.  If  you  cannot  get 
magnesia,  use  whiting,  chalk,  soda,  or  lime-water,  or  even  knock  a 
piece  of  mortar  from  the  wall,  pound  it  fine,  and  give  it  with  milk  or 
water.  While  one  person  is  attending  to  this,  let  another  cut  common 
soap  into  small  pieces  and  give  a  tea-spoonful  virith  water,  or  a  table- 
spoonful  of  soft  soap.     Also  give  plenty  of  warm  water  to  drink. 

Citric  and  acetic  acids  are  also  poisonous  in  large  doses.  The  treaty- 
ment  is  the  same  as  for  the  above. 

Antimony. 

Articles. — Tartar  emetic,  butter  of  antimony,  oxide  of  antimony. 

Symptoms. — Severe  vomiting  (if  this  does  not  occur  it  should  be  in- 
duced), cramps,  faintness,  purging,  colicky  i^ains,  sense  of  tightness  in 
the  chest,  recurrence  of  vomiting  repeatedly. 

TRE.\TMENT.--Give  plenty  of  strong  tea.  If  no  common  tea  is  at 
hand,  use  an  infusion  of  oak,  elm,  sloe,  currant,  or  blackberry  bark  or 


454  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST! 

leaves,  the  requirements  being  a  vegetable  astringent.  If  the  butter  of 
antimony  has  been  taken,  resort  to  the  treatment  advised  for  acids,  lu 
all  cases  the  strength  should  be  supported  with  stimulants. 

Bismuth. 

Articles. — Nitrate,  pearl  powder,  face  powders. 

Sy.mptoms. — General  inflammation  of  the  whole  alimentary  canal, 
suppression  of  urine,  hiccough,  vomiting,  cramps. 

Treatment. — Plenty  of  milk,  flaxseed  tea,  infusion  of  sUppery  elm, 
marsh  mallow. 

Copper. 

Articles. — Blue  copperas,  blue  verditer,  mineral  green,  verdigris, 
food  cooked  in  copper  vessels,  pickles  made  green  by  copper. 

Symptoms. — Coppery  taste  in  the  mouth,  tongue  dry  and  parched, 
very  painful  colic,  bloody  stools,  convulsions. 

Treatment.  — Large  quantities  of  milk  and  white  of  eggs,  afterwards 
strong  tea.     Vinegar  ishoukl  not  be  gicen.  ^ 

.\ 

Gold.  ^ 

Articles. — Chloride  of  gold,  fulminating  gold. 

Symptoms. — Similar  to  other  irritant  poisons.  Pink  patches  about 
the  lips  and  mouth. 

Treatment. — Give  sulphate  of  iron,  which  decomposes  the  sub- 
stances. 

Iodine. 

Articles. — Iodides  of  potassium,  mercury,  iron,  or  sodium. 

Symptoms. — Burning  pain  in  throat,  lacerating  pain  in  stomach, 
heartburn,  vomiting,  colicky  pains,  very  likely  salivation. 

Tre.vt.ment. — Large  quantities  of  starch  and  water,  flour  and  water, 
grated  potatoes,  or  anything  that  you  know  contains  starch.  If  the 
iodides  are  taken  in  overdose,  produce  vomiting  as  soon  as  possible. 

Iron. 

Articles. — Sulphate  of  iron  (copperas),  green  vitriol,  chloride  of 
iron. 

Symptoms. — Colic  pains,  constant  vomiting  and  purging,  violent  pain 
in  throat,  coldness  of  skin,  feeble  pulse. 

Tkk.vt.ment — Give  an  emetic,  afterwards  magnesia  or  carbonate  of 
Boda  and  water.     Also  mucilaginous  drinks. 


the  complete  herbalist.  455 

Lead. 

AnTiCLES. — Acetate  or  sugar  of  lead,  white  lead,  red  lead,  litharge. 

Symptoms. — Metallic  taste  in  mouth,  paiu  in  stomach  and  bowels, 
painful  vomiting,  often  blood,  hiccough.  If  taken  for  some  time,  ob- 
stinate colic,  paralysis,  partial  or  complete  ;  obstinate  constipation, 
diminution  of  urine. 

Treatment.  — Put  two  ounces  of  epsom  salts  into  a  pint  of  water  and 
give  a  wineglassful  every  ten  minutes  until  it  operates  freely.  If  the 
solid  forms  have  been  taken,  give  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  but  very  care- 
fuUy. 

Mercury. 

Articles. — Calomel,  corrosive  sublimate,  red  precipitate,  vermilion, 
white  precipitate,  turbith  mineral. 

Symptoms. — Harsh  metallic  astringent  taste,  burning  pain  in  the 
stomach,  vomiting  and  pui'ging  frequently  of  bloody  matter,  tightness 
and  burning  in  the  throat,  tendency  to  doze,  stupor. 

Treatment. — Albumen  in  some  form  must  be  instantly  given  ;  either 
the  white  of  eggs  beaten  up  with  water,  milk  or  wheat  flour  beaten  up. 
Iron  filings  can  also  be  given.     After  these  give  linseed  tea. 

PnOSPHORUS. 

Articles. — Lucifer  matches. 

Symptoms. — Pain  in  stomach  and  bowels,  vomiting,  diarrhoea,  ten- 
derness and  tension  of  the  abdomen,  great  excitement  of  the  whole 
system. 

Treatment. — Prompt  emetic,  copious  draughts  of  warm  water 
containing  magnesia,  chalk,  whiting,  or  even  floux.  No  oils  or  fat 
should  be  given. 

Silver. 

Articles. — Nitrate,  or  luuar  caustic. 

Symptoms. — Similar  to  other  irritant  poisons,  especially  arsenic. 

Treatment. — Give  a  large  teaspoonful  of  common  salt  in  a  glass  of 
water,  and  repeat  this  in  ten  minutes.  Then  a  dose  of  castor-oil,  and 
linseed  tea,  or  barley  water  for  a  drink. 

Tin. 

Articles. — Chloride,  called  muriate  by  dyers,  oxide,  or  putty  pow- 
der. 

Symptoms, — Vomiting,  pain  in  stomach,  purging,  convulsive  twitcb- 
ings. 


456  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

Treatment. — Milk  must  be  given  copiously.  The  milk  may  contain 
magnesia,  chalk,  or  whiting,  if  handy.  Also  raw  eggs  beaten  up  with 
water  and  milk. 

Zinc. 

Articles.— Sulphate,  or  white  vitriol.  Acetate,  chloride  (Burnett's 
disinfectinpf  fluid,  also  used  to  destroy  cancers). 

Symptoms. — Violent  vomiting,  astringent  taste,  burning  pain  in 
stomach,  pale  countenance,  cold  extremities,  dull  eyes. 

Treatment. — Plenty  of  milk  with  white  of  eggs  in  it.  If  it  is  the 
Bulphate  give  carbonate  of  soda.  If  excessive  vomiting  occurs,  it  can 
be  relieved  by  copious  draughts  of  warm  water. 

Volatile  Oils. 

Articles. — Creasote,  Dippel's  animal  oil,  oU  of  tar,  oil  of  tobacco, 
oil  of  turpentine,  fusel  oil. 

Symptoms. — Burning  pain,  vomiting,  pungent  taste,  purging.  The 
oils  of  tobacco  and  turpentine  affect  the  nervous  system,  a^d  will  be 
recognized  by  their  peculiar  odor  in  the  matter  vomited.  -^ 

Treatment. — Creasote  is  immediately  coagulated  by  albumep,  as 
milk,  white  of  eggs.  Dippel's  animal  oil  may  be  counteracted  by  (^lute 
Bulphuric  acid,  and  castor  or  linseed  oil.  For  the  others  give  mUk, 
and  promote  vomiting,  and  probably  some  stimulant. 

Alkalies. 

Ammonia. — Spirits  of  hartshorn,  muriate,  or  sal  ammoniac. 

PoTASS.\. — Caustic  potash,  Hquor  potassa,  carbonate,  or  pearl  ash, 
Baits  of  tartar,  nitrate,  or  saltpetre,  or  liver  of  sulphur. 

Symptoms. — Violent,  caustic,  acrid  taste,  great  heat  in  throat,  de- 
Btruction  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  mouth  and  throat,  cold  sweats, 
weakness,  hiccough,  colic  pains,  bloody  stools. 

Tue.vtment. — Vinegar,  lemon  juice,  citric  or  tartaric  acids.  If  the 
free  alkalies  are  taken  give  castor  or  linseed  oils,  which  will  form  soap 
in  combination  with  them.  For  saltpetre  give  a  mixture  of  acacia, 
marsh-mallow,  flax-seed  tea,  and  for  liver  of  sulphur  give  common  salt. 

Prussic  Acid. 

Articles. — Oil  of  bitter  almonds,  laurel  water,  peach-kernels,  cj^an- 
ide  of  potassium,  used  by  photographers. 

Sy.mitoms.  —  If  the  quantity  be  large,  death  instantly  ensues.  In 
Bmaller  quantities,  nausea,  giddiness,  debility,  weight  and  pain  in  the 
head. 

Tre.vtment. — Give  spirits  of  hartshorn  very  much  diluted,  aud 
apply  a  bottle  of  smelling-salts  to  the  nose,  dash  cold  water  on  the 
head,  give  stimulants,  aud  make  the  patient  stir  about. 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  457 

VEGETABLE  POISONS. 

Opium. 

Articles. — Laudanum,  paregoric,  black  drop,  soothing  syrups, 
cordials,  sj'rup  of  poppies,  morphine,  Dover's  powder,  etc. 

Symptoms. — Giddiness,  stupor,  gradually  increasing  to  a  deep  sleep, 
pupil  of  the  eyes  very  small,  lips  blue,  skin  cold,  heavy,  slow  breathing. 

Treatment. — Make  the  patient  vomit  as  quickly  as  possible.  If  a 
full-gi'own  person  give  fifteen  grains  of  sulphate  of  zinc  in  a  little  water, 
to  a  young  person  half  the  quantity,  to  an  infant  a  teaspoonful  of  syrup 
of  ipecac.  If  these  drugs  cannot  be  had,  use  mustard  and  warm  water, 
salt  and  water,  and  tickle  the  throat  with  a  feather.  After  vomiting, 
give  plenty  of  strong  coffee,  and  place  a  mustard  poultice  round  the  calf 
of  each  leg,  and  if  the  patient  is  cold  and  sinking,  give  stimulants,  and 
rouse  him  to  walking  or  running  by  your  assistance.  Beat  the  soles  of 
his  feet,  dash  cold  water  on  the  face,  and  do  anything  to  prevent  him 
from  sleeping  untU  the  effects  are  passed  off,  for  if  he  goes  to  sleep,  it 
is  the  sleep  of  death. 

Stryciinine. 

Articles.  — Rat  poison,  nux  vomica,  St.  Ignatius'  bean. 

Symptoms. — Lockjaw,  twitching  of  the  muscles,  convulsions,  the 
body  is  bent  backwards,  so  as  to  rest  on  the  feet  and  head  only. 

Treatment. — Empty  the  stomach  by  an  emetic,  then  give  linseed 
tea  or  barley  water,  and  to  an  adult  give  thirty  drops  of  laudanum,  to 
relieve  the  spasms.     A  tea-spoonful  of  ether  can  also  be  given. 

Other  Poisonous  Plants,  or  Seeds, 

Such  as  false  mushrooms,  belladonna,  henbane,  or  anything  a  child  may 
have  eaten,  or  taken  in  mistake  by  any  person.  Vegetable  poisons  act 
either  as  an  irritant,  acro-narcotic,  or  narcotic.  If  it  an  irritant,  the 
symptoms  are  an  acrid,  pungent  taste,  with  more  or  less  bitterness, 
excessive  heat,  great  dryness  of  the  mouth  and  throat,  with  sense  of 
tightness  there,  violent  vomiting,  purging,  with  great  pain  in  the 
stomach  and  bowels,  breathing  often  quick  and  difficult,  appearance  of 
intoxication,  eye  frequently  dilated,  insensibility  resembling  death. 
The  symptoms  of  narcotic  poisons  are  described  under  opium. 

Treatment. — If  an  irritant  and  vomiting  does  occur  and  continues, 
render  it  easier  by  large  draughts  of  warm  water,  but  if  symptoms  of 
insensibility  have  come  on  without  vomiting,  empty  the  stomach  with 
any  emetic  that  may  be  at  hand, — sulphate  of  zinc,  mustard  ;  and  after 
the  operation  of  the  emetic  give  a  sharp  purgative.  After  as  much  as 
is  possible  of  the  poison  is  got  rid  of,  very  strong  coffee,  or  vinegar  di- 
2U 


45S  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

luted  with  water,  may  be  given  with  advantage.  Camphor  mixtnr© 
with  a  little  ether  may  be  taken  frequently,  and  if  the  insensibility  is 
considerable,  warmth,  frictiorLS,  and  blisters  may  be  employed.  For 
the  narcotics  proceed  as  in  opium. 

Animal  Poisons. 

Poisonous  Fish.— Old  wife,  crawfish,  land  crab,  gray  snapper,  hyne, 
dolphin,  conger  eel,  mussel,  barracuda,  smooth  bottle  fish,  grooper, 
rock  fish,  Spanish  mackerel,  king  fish,  bonetta,  porgee,  tunny,  blower, 
etc. 

Symptoms. — In  an  hour  or  two,  or  much  sooner  after  the  fish  has 
'been  eaten,  a  weight  at  the  stomach  comes,  with  slight  vertigo  and 
headache,  sense  of  heat  about  the  head  and  eyes,  considerable  thirst, 
and  often  an  eruption  of  the  skin  resembling  nettle  rash. 

Tkeatment.— Give  a  brisk  emetic.  After  full  vomiting  an  active 
purgative  should  be  given.  Vinegar  and  water  may  be  drunk  after  the 
above  remedies  have  operated,  and  the  body  may  be  sponged  with  the 
same.  Water  made  very  sweet  with  sugar,  to  which  a  little  ether  may 
be  added,  may  also  be  drank  freely.     If  spasms  occur,  give-  .laudanum. 

Poisonous  Serpents.— Copperhead,  moccasin,  viper,  black .^ viper, 
rattlesnake,  water  viper.  • 

Symptoms. — A  sharp  pain  in  the  wounded  part,  which  soon  e«tenda 
over  the  limb  or  body  ;  great  swelling,  at  first  hard  and  pale,  then  red- 
dish, livid,  and  gangrenous  in  appearance,  faintings,  vomitings,  convul- 
sions, pulse  small,  breathing  difficult,  cold  sweats,  failing  sight,  and 
derangement  of  the  intellectual  faculties. 

Treatment. — Tie  a  string  tightly  above  the  wound,  wash  it  well, 
apply  a  cupping  glass,  or  let  the  person  bitten  suck  the  woimd  well  if 
he  can.  If  lunar  caustic  or  butter  of  antimony  are  at  hand,  rub  them 
well  in,  to  the  very  bottom  of  the  wound,  or  take  a  very  small  poker, 
or  a  steel  used  for  sharpening  knives  ;  make  the  point  of  this  red  hot — 
to  a  white  heat,  if  you  can — and  press  this  for  a  moment  into  the 
wound.  This  is  not  such  a  dreadful  operation  as  it  seems  to  be,  for  one 
moment's  application  is  sufficient,  and,  if  the  steel  is  really  hot  enough, 
gives  scarcely  any  pain  at  the  time.  Small  doses  of  hartshorn  may  also 
be  given,  and  if  gangrene  is  threatened,  give  wine  freely.  In  case  of 
rattlesnake  bite,  give  whiskey  freely.  Bibron's  antidote  and  the  Tan- 
jore  Pills  may  also  be  used,— the  latter  carefully,  as  they  contain 
arsenic. 

Poisonous  Insects. — Spanish  fly,  potato  fly. 

Sy.mptoms.  —Nauseous  odor  of  the  breath,  acrid  taste,  burning  heat 
in  the  throat,  stomach,  and  abdomen,  bloody  vomiting,  excruciating 
pain  in  the  stom.ach,  heat  in  the  bladder,  strangury  or  retention  of 
urine,  frightful  convulsions. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  459 

Treatment. — Excite  vomiting  by  giYvag  sweet-oil,  sugar  and  water, 
milk  or  linseed  tea,  very  freely.  Rub  camphor  dissolved  in  oil  over  the 
belly  and  thighs. 

Venomous  Insects. — Tarantula,  scorpion,  hornet,  wasp,  bee,  gnat, 
gad-fly. 

Symptoms. — In  general,  the  sting  of  these  insects  occasions  only  a 
slight  degree  of  pain  and  swelling,  but  occasionally  the  symptoms  are 
more  violent,  and  sickness  and  fever  are  produced  by  the  intensity  of 
the  pain. 

Treatment. — Hartshorn  and  oil  may  be  rubbed  on  the  affected  part, 
and  a  piece  of  rag  moistened  with  the  same,  or  with  salt  and  water, 
may  be  kept  upon  it  till  the  pain  is  over.  A  few  drops  of  hartshorn  may 
also  be  frequently  given  internally,  in  a  little  water.  The  sting  may  in 
general  be  removed  by  making  strong  pressure  with  the  ban-el  of  a 
watch-key  around  it. 

Rabid  Animals. — See  Hydrophobia,  in  its  proper  place  among 
diseases. 


RECIPES. 


Ik  the  foUonnns  pages  will  bo  found  a  variety  of  recipes,  applicable  to  many  diseases  and 
afflictions  for  which  syinptoniatic  treatment  is  all  that  is  required.  They  will  be  found  to 
be  very  vahiabie  fur  domestic  treatment.  They  are  not  all  strictly  herbal,  but  essentially 
eclectic,  so  as  to  be  ea.sily  prejiared  and  the  ingredients  readily  procured.  Nothing  capable 
of  harm  is,  however,  admitted,— the  few  mineral  substances  that  are  prescribed  beinsj  only 
inserted  for  therajicutic  etfeeus  in  consequence  of  their  vegetable  analogues  being  hard 
to  pro<-ure  or  difficult  to  prepare.  Availability  was  studied  more  than  scientific  arrange- 
ment, though  the  merit  of  eai^h  is  retained.  For  handy  recipes,  therefore,  the  following 
are  sulliciently  diversified  for  a  wide  range  of  application. 

In  complicated  cases,  or  in  diseases  requiring  systematic  treatment,  recipes  are  not  to  be 
deiK-nded  upon.  Such  cases,  of  course,  require  treatment  in  accordance  with  the  demands 
of  the  pathological  conditions  observed  in  the  disease,  and  which  should  in  all  cases  be 
directed  by  a  competent  physician.  The  remedies,  for  which  the  recipes  are  riven  in  this 
connection,  are  designed  nunly  tor  diseases  or  affections  not  ordinarily  grave  in  character, 
or  which  do  not  recjuire  more  than  simple  medication.  Those  des'iring  to  hiake  use  of 
them  should  have  them  prepared  by  a  dniggist,  if  they  do  not  have  the  necesiiiry  phlirma- 
ceutical  appliances  to  insure  correct  weight,  quantity,  mixture,  division,  etc.  The  btirity 
and  worth  of  tlie  article  aro  also  to  be  ascertained  before  being  administered.  5 

GOLDEN  TINCTURE. 

No.  1.  Balsam  of  tolu,  two  ounces;  gum  gnaiacum,  two  ounces;  gum  h'!mlock,  two 
ounces  ;  gum  myrrh,  two  ounces ;  each  coarsely  jjowdered  ;  oil  of  hemlock,  three  ounces ; 
oi!  of  wmtergreen,  two  ounces ;  alcohol,  one  gaUon.  Let  it  stand  fourteen  days.  Shake 
frequently  in  the  meantime. 

/)o.?«.— From  one  to  two  teaspoonfuls,  according  to  severity  and  obstinacy  of  the  case,  in 
half  a  glass  of  sweetened  water.  This  mixture  has  proved  highly  useful  as  an  internal 
remedy  for  rheumatism,  colic,  pains,  chills,  soreness,  lameness,  sour  stomach,  languor, 
depressed  spirits,  palpitations,  water  brash,  flatulency,  and  a  variety  of  painful  affections. 

PULMONAHY  REMEDY. 
No.  2.  Take  of  the  root,«  of  spikenard,  elecampane,  comfrcy  and  blood-root :  of  the 
leaves  ayd  Mowers  of  hoarhound,  and  of  the  bark  of  wild  cherrv,  each  one  pound.  These 
may  all  U-  ground  and  tinctured,  by  i\ddiug  alcohol,  water,  and  sugar  sullii  lent  to  make 
tliiee  gallons  of  syrup,  or  any  portion  of  the  aliosc  compound  may  be  tinctur.il  in  sufficient 
Bjcohol  to  cover  them,  when  the  herbs  may  be  boiled  until  their  strength  is  obtained,  and 
tne  tincture  and  watery  infusion  may  be  mixed,  and  a  .sufficient  amount  of  refined  sugar 
jiilded  U)  make  a  thick  syrup.  For  coughs  and  colds,  to  be  taken  in  tt^a.spoonful  doses  as 
required. 

LIVER  CORDIAL. 
No.  .3.     Thorough-wort,   two  ounces;   ginger,  half  ounce;  cloves,  half  ounce;  extract 
dandelion,  four  ounces  ;  wat*.T,  one  aiul  a  half  pints.     Boil  to  one-third,  and  add  sugar  one 
and  one-half  pounds,  and  brandy,  one  pint. 

■  •  ^'"'"'\Z^  wineglassful  once  or  twice  a  day.     An  excellent  cordial  cathartic  to  act  upon  the 
liver.     1  he  herbs  must  be  gathered  at  the  proper  .season  or  they  will  be  worthless. 

ANTI-BILIOUS   PILL. 

No.  4.  Aloes,  pulverized,  Ave  ounces ;  fine,  dr>'  eastile  soaji,  half  a  drachm ;  gamboge, 
pulverized,  one  ounce;  colocynth,  one  ounce;  extract  of  gentian,  one  ounce  ;  mandrake, 
one  ounce ;  wiyeniie  pepper,  two  ounces ;  oU  of  pcpijermiut,  half  a  drachm.  Mix  weU 
together,  and  form  into  three-grain  pills. 

Ifose. — Three  to  live  pills. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBAMST.  461 

AN  EXPECTORANT. 

No.  5.  For  asthma  and  couph.  to  promote  expector:ition,  and  remove  tightness  of  the 
chesty  the  following  is  a  valuable  compound  preparation.  Fluid  extracts  of  skunk  cabbage, 
one  ounce;  lobelia,  one  ounce;  blood-root,  one  ounce;  pleurisy-root,  one  ounce;  ginger, 
one  oxince  ;  water,  one  pint;  alcohol,  three  pint-s. 

Dose. — Two  to  four  teaspoonfuls.     (Sec  Fluid  Extracts,  pa.?e  475.) 

FOR  PRODUCING  SI-EEP- 

No.  6.  The  following  is  a  useful  preparation  for  producing  sleep,  in  wakeful  or  excited 
conditions,  viz.  :  fluid  extract  of  ladies'  slipper,  one  ounce  ;  fluid  extract  of  pleurisy-root, 
one  ounce ;  tluid  extract  of  skunk  cabbage,  one  ounce  ;  fluid  extract  scull-cap,  one  ounco. 
Mix. 

Dose. — Half  a  drachm  to  a  drachm  three  times  a  day. 

FOR  SICK  AND  NERVOUS  HEADACHE. 

No.  7.  For  sick  and  nervous  headache,  dependent  on  an  acid  stomach,  the  following  ia 
Useful :  fluid  extract  of  ladies'  slipper,  half  an  ounce ;  fluid  ejttract  of  catnip,  half  an 
ounce  ;  fluid  extract  of  scull-cap,  half  an  ounce ;  water,  one  pint. 

Dose. — One  to  three  teaspoonfuls.     Mix. 

TONIC  TINCTURE. 

No.  8.  Old  cider,  four  gallons ;  white  oak  bark,  ten  ounces ;  horse-radish  root,  one 
pound  ;  seneca  snake-root,  six  ounces ;  golden  seal  root,  four  ounces ;  cayenne  pepper,  two 
ounces ;  bruise  all  fine,  add  the  cider,  let  stand  for  ten  days,  frequently  shaking  up  tho 
mixture  in  the  meantime. 

Dose. — For  an  adult,  half  to  two-thirds  of  a  wine-glassful,  three  times  a  day. 

SARSAPARILLA  SYRUP. 

No.  9.  Good  sarsaparilla,  two  pounds ;  gnaiacum,  three  ounces ;  rose  leaves,  two  ounces ; 
senna,  two  ounces ;  liquorice  root,  two  ounces ;  oil  of  sas.safras,  five  drops ;  oil  of  aniseed, 
five  drops;  oil  of  wintergreen,  three  drops;  diluted  alcohol,  ten  pints;  sugar,  eight 
pounds. 

Dose. — A  tablespoonful  two  or  three  times  a  day. 

RHEUMATIC  TINCTURE. 
No.  10.     Peppermint  water,  one  and  one-half  ounces:  wine  of  colchicuDOi  root,  half  an 
ounce  ;  sulphate  of  morphia,  one  grain  ;  magnesia,  one  scruple. 
Dose.  — One  teaspoonful  three  or  four  times  a  day. 

FOR  BRONCHITIS. 

No.  11.  Tannin,  three  grains ;  extract  of  belladonna,  three-fourths  of  a  grain ;  extract 
of  conium,  two  and  a  half  grains  :  infusion  of  senna,  three  ounces  ;  fennel  water,  one  and 
a  half  ounces  ;  syrup  of  marsh-mallow,  one  and  a  haif  ounces.     Mix. 

Dose. — A  tablespoouful  to  be  taken  every  two  hours  in  chronic  bronchitis. 

COMPOUND   SPIRITS  OF   LAVENDER. 

No.  12.  Dried  lavender  flowers,  two  drachms ;  nutmeg,  2  drachms ;  mace,  two  drachms  J 
cloves,  two  ounces  ;  cinnamon,  two  ounces.  Pulverize  all  these,  and  add  a  quart  of  spirits. 
Let  it  then  stand  for  a  week,  and  then  strain  off  the  liquid. 

Dose. — One  or  two  teaspoonfiols  may  be  taken  often  in  a  little  water,  with  loaf  Bugar. 
Useful  in  nervous  affections. 

NERVE  TONIC. 

No.  1.3.  Extract  of  scull-cap,  two  drachms;  cxtractof  chamomile,  two  drachms  ;  extract 
of  boneset,  one  drachm;  pulverized  cayenne,  one  scru()le ;  quinine,  one  drachm;  oil  of 
valerian,  half  a  drachm.     I5cat  well  together,  and  make  ninety  i>iUs. 

Dose. — For  an  adult,  one  pill  every  two  or  three  hours. 

STOMACHIC  BITTERS. 

No.  14.  Gentian  root,  two  ounces ;  dried  orange  peel,  one  ounce ;  cardamon  seed,  halt 
an  ounce  (all  bruised) ;  diluted  alcohol  or  common  whiskey,  one  quart.  Let  it  stand  for 
two  weeks. 

Use.  —Dyspepsia,  loss  of  appetite,  general  weakness,  etc. 

Dose. — One  or  two  tablespoonfuls  in  water,  three  times  a  day. 


462  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

FEVER   AJ^'D  AGUE. 

No.  15.  Tiike  of  bonesot,  two  onncos :  b.iie  vervain,  two  ounces ;  scull-cap,  one  ounce  ; 
Virginia  snake-root,  half  an  ounce.  Make  an  infusion,  and  drink  freely  while  warm.  If 
it  produces  vomitinjr.  reduce  the  dose.  This  will  be  found  hiphly  beneficial.  If  the  bowels 
are  constipated,  use  one  of  my  "Renovating  Pills"  every  night  untU  aU  constipation  has 
been  removed  or  remedied. 

STRENGTHENING  PLASTER. 
No.  If).  Resin,  one  pound  ;  beeswax,  one  ounce ;  Burgundy  pitch,  one  ounce  ;  mutton 
tallow,  one  ounce.  Melt  them  together,  and  add  olive  oil,  pulverized  camphor  and  sassa- 
fras oil,  of  each  onivsixteenth  of  an  ounce,  and  West  India  rum,  one  fluid  ounce.  Stir  well 
together,  pour  into  cold  water,  and  form  into  rolls  with  the  hand.s ;  spread  with  a  knife  on 
a  piece  of  linen  cloth,  and  ajiply  in  weaknes.s  of  the  joints,  rheumatism,  weak  chest,  weak 
back,  ulcers.     Tliis  is  an  excellent  pla.ster  for  all  such  purposes. 

ACETIC   BLOOD-ROOT   SYRUP. 

No.  17.  Blood-root  in  powder,  one  drachm :  acetic  acid,  or  vinegar,  one  pint ;  water, 
one  pint.  Add  the  blood-root  to  the  vinegar  and  water  mixed,  and  steep  for  two  hours  ; 
then  strain  and  add  two  pounds  of  white  sugar,  simmer  until  a  syrup  is  formed. 

This  is  a  xpeci^fic  remedy  for  iiseudo-menibramius  cr(jup.  It  is  also  used  in  infantile 
pneumonia  and  bronchitis,  but  the  "  Acacian  Balsam  "  shoulii  be  used  with  it. 

Dose. — For  croup,  from  half  a  tcaspoonful  to  a  tables] jooniul,  but  it  should  not  be  given 
in  quantities  sufficient  to  provoke  vomiting,  unless  there  is  imminent  danger  of  .suffocation, 
and  then  only  sufficient  to  eject  the  mucus  adhering  to  the  upper  part  of  the  bronchia  and 
trachea. 

A   GOOD   EMETIC.  '^        .^ 

No.  18.  Pulverized  lobelia,  one  ounce;  pulverized  blood-root,  one  ounce  ;  pulv.  ipecacu- 
anha, six  drachms;  pulv;  cayenne,  four  scruples;  seneea,  one  scruple.  Mix.  ArAexcel- 
lent  emetic  in  all  cases  where  one  is  required.  My  "  Renovating  Pills"  should  be  tfeed  to 
cleanse  the  system  of  all  remaining  particles  of  lobelia. 

JJose. — Half  a  teaspoonful  in  a  cup  of  warm  water,  and  repeat  every  fifteen  minutes  until 
It  operate& 

NERVE  TONIC   AND   ANTISPASMODIC. 

No.  19.  High  cranberry  bark,  one  ounce ;  skimk  cabbage-root,  half  an  ounce ;  scull- 
cap,  half  an  ounce;  cardamon  seeds,  two  drachms;  pulv.  cayeime,  two  drachms.  Put 
these  into  a  pint  of  wine.     Shake  it  well  every  day  for  three  ur  foiur  days. 

Dose. — A  tablespoonful  four  times  a  day. 

DYSENTERY   SYRUP. 

No.  20.  Best  Turkey  rhubarb,  two  drachms :  leptandrin,  two  drachms ;  white  sugar,  one 
pound;  hot  water,  one  pint.  Triturate  well  together:  add  essence  of  peppermint,  one 
drachm ;  essence  of  anise,  one  drachm  :  tincture  of  catechu,  two  drachms. 

Dose. — For  dysentery,  one  teaspoonful  every  half  hour. 

COUGH  PREPARATION. 

No.  21  Tincture  of  lobelia,  half  an  ounce;  tincture  of  blood-root,  two  ounces;  oil  of 
spearmint,  half  a  drachm  ;  molas.ses,  five  ounces. 

Dose. — Take  one-half  of  a  tcaspoonful  as  often  as  needed.     Useful  merely  as  a  palliative. 

PULMONARY   SYHUP. 

No.  22.  Spikenard  root,  si.xtcen  ounces ;  white  root,  sixteen  oimces ;  blood-root,  eight 
otmces;  elecampane,  eight  ounces ;  colts-foot,  eight  ounces;  bimc.sct,  eight  ounces:  i)oplar 
bark,  four  ounces  ;  seneea  snaUe-root,  two  ounces ;  lobelia,  two  ounces  ;  slippery  elm  bark, 
eight  ounces;  proof  spirits,  three  gallons.  Bruise  or  ])idverizo  all.  and  digest  in  the  spirits 
for  fourteen  days;  then  .•;truiu.  and  add  white  sugar  sufficient  to  form  a  syrup. 

Doite. — A  tablespoonful  oci;asionally.  in  a  mucilage  of  slippery  elm. 

Use. — This  is  a  fair  relief  in  all  co\ighs  and  pulmonary  affections. 

CHRONIC   DISEASES   OF  THE   JfUCOUS  SURFACES. 
No.  2.3.     Hard  balsam  copaiba,  three  and  a  half  drachms :  fresh  ground  cubebs,  three 
and  a  half  drachms;  cjirhonato  of  ammonia,  one  draclun.     Make  one  hundred  pills. 
Dose. — One  pill  throe  times  a  day,  between  meals. 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST.  463 

LINIMENT   FOR   CHILBLAINS. 
No.  24.     Snlphuric  acid,  one  drachm :  spirits  of  turpentino.  one  drachm ;  olive  oil,  three 
drachms.     Mix  the  oil  and  turpentine  first,  then  gradually  add  the  sulphuric  acid. 
A  valuable  liniment  for  chilblains.     To  be  rubbed  on  two  or  three  times  a  day. 

LINIMENT   FOR  NEURALGIA,    ETC. 

No.  25.  Sweet  oil,  one  ounce;  water  of  ammonia,  strong,  one  ounce.  Mix  To  be 
rubbed  on  with  a  piece  of  flannel.  A  temporary  relief  for  crick  in  the  neck,  and  rhejimatio 
and  nem-algic  pains. 

SLEEPLESSNESS. 
No.  26.     Camphor,  one  grain,  formed  into  a  pill,  followed  by  a  draught  of  an  ounce  and 
a  half  of  the  infusion  of  hops,  with  five  drops  of  sulphuric  ether. 

CHRONIC  RHEUMATISM. 

No.  27.     The  remedies  given  below  will  bo  found  generally  useful : 

First.— Warm  salt  bath.  When  the  pain  is  very  severe  at  night,  take  tincture  of  guaia- 
cum,  one  drachm  ;  tincture  of  aloes,  half  a  drachm;  spirits  of  turpentine,  thirty  drops. 
Mix,  and  take  in  a  pint  of  gruel  at  bedtime. 

Second. — Should  the  pains  continue  very  severe,  give  the  following  :  Aloes,  half  a  scra- 
pie :  opium,  three  grains :  syrup  of  buckthorn  sufficient  to  form  a  pill  mass.  Mix,  and 
make  three  pills  :  one  at  bedtime. 

T/M'rrf.— Compound  powder  of  ipecacuanha,  eight  grains;  camphor  mixture,  one  and  a 
half  ounces.     Mix,  and  give  a  draught  every  night. 

Fourth. — Take  wine  of  colchicum  seeds,  one  ounce;  give  from  ten  to  twenty  drops  in 
gruel  or  water  three  times  a  day,  with  one  of  the  following  pills :  sulphate  of  qulnia, 
twenty-four  grains  ;  and  syrup  sufficient  to  form  into  twelve  pills  ;  or  : 

FifUi,. — I(jdi(le  of  potassium,  one  drachm  ;  distilled  water,  two  ounces. 

Mix,  and  give  a  teaspoonful  in  a  wine-glass  of  water — morning,  noon,  and  nights  This 
Beldom  ever  fails  to  give  relief.  "^ 

REMEDY  FOR  BOWEL  COMPLAINT. 

No.  28.     Rhubarb,  pulverized,  one  ounce  ;  saleratus,  one  teaspoonful ;  pour  on  a  pint  of 
boiling  water.     When  cold,  add  a  tablespoonful  of  essence  of  peppermint. 
Dose. — From  one  to  three  tablespoonfuls  two  or  three  times  a  day. 

WORM  MIXTURE. 

No.  29.  Populin.  one  drachm  ;  santonine,  twenty  grains ;  tincture  of  pink  root,  four 
ounces ;  ueutralizini;  mixture,  one  pint.  Rub  the  santonine  in  the  neutralizing  mixture, 
imtil  thoroughly  mixed,  then  add  the  other  ingredients.  Excellent  for  removing  worms  in 
children. 

Dose. — From  thirty  to  forty  drops  every  half  hour,  until  it  acts  on  the  bowels  as  a  purge. 
If  the  worms  are  not  removed,  repeat  every  two  or  three  days ;  but  be  cautious  to  get  good 
pink  root,  as  much  of  the  plant  sold  for  pink  root  by  the  druggists  is  poisonous.  This  is 
inferior,  however,  to  my  "  Male  Fern  Vermifuge,"  see  page  4T1. 

PAINFUL  MENSTRUATION. 

No.  .30.     Extract  of  hyoscyamus,  gum  camphor,  and  Dover's  powder,  of  each  one  scruple. 
Mix,  and  make  into  twenty  pills. 
Dose. — One  pill  twice  a  day  for  painful  menstruation. 

STOMACH  PILL. 

-No.  -31. — Pulverized  rhubarb,  and  guaiacum,  of  each  eight  grains;  galbanum,  two 
gi-ains  ;  ipecacuanha,  two  grains.     Mix,  and  make  eight  pills. 

Done. — Take  one  or  two  pUls,  night  and  morning.  Excellent  for  a  weak  stomach,  and  n 
bilious  condition. 

BRONCHIAL  TROCHES.     {For  Temporary  Relief .) 

No.  32.  Extract  of  liquorice,  one  pound ;  sugar,  one  and  a  half  pounds :  cubebs,  lour 
ounces  ;  gum  arabic,  four  ounces ;  all  pulverized  ;  extract  of  coniiun,  one  ounce.  Mix,  and 
take  a  piece  as  big  as  a  pea  and  dissolve  it  in  the  mouth,  several  times  a  day  ;  rubbing  tht 
neck  three  times  a  day  with  the  "Herbal  Ointment." 


464  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

DIARRHCEA. 

No.  33.     Synip  of  orang:e  peel,  one  ounce :  acetate  of  morphia,  two  grains ;  tincture  of 
cinnamon,  six  drachms  ;  tincture  of  cardamon,  two  drachms.     Mix. 
Dose. — A  teaspoonful.     Valuable  in  diarrhoea. 

NEURALGIA. 
No.  34.     Tincture  of  American  hellebore,  one  drachm  ;  tincture  of  black  cohosh,  two 
ounces.     Mix. 

Dose. — One  teaspoonful,  from  three  to  six  times  a  day. 

PILE  OINTMENT.       . 

No.  35.  Extract  of  stramonium,  one  ounce  ;  extract  of  tobacco,  one  ounce  ;  tannin,  ten 
grains.  Make  an  ointment,  and  bathe  or  lubricate  the  parts,  if  you  cannot  at  once  get  the 
'•  Herbal  Ointment." 

STOMACHIC  PILL. 
No.  36.     Powdered  cayenne  pepper,  one  drachm  ;  rhubarb,  two  drachms.     Make  into  a 
mass  with  sj-rup,  and  divide  into  sixty  pills. 
Done. — Two  to  three  every  day,  an  hour  before  dinner. 

AROMATIC   BITTERS.     {Stimulant.) 

No.  37.  First. — Absinthium  ( Wormwood).  Infuse  three  drachms  in  twenty  ounces  of 
water. 

Dose. — From  a  half  to  two  tablespoonfuls. 

Use. — In  debilitated  state  of  the  digestive  organs. 

Second. — Acorus — Ca.\a.xnns  {Siceet  Jiag  root).  Infuse  one  otince  in  twenty  ounces  of 
water.     Joined  with  other  tonics.  '^ 

Use. — In  uneasiness  from  tlatulence.  '^ 

.      TONIC   TEA.     (Debility.)  ^ 

No.  -38.     Chamomile,  scull-cap,  and  queen  of  the  meadow,  each  one  pound.     Reduce 

them  to  powder,  and  mix  well  together. 

Dose. — To  one  tablespoonful  of  this  powder  add  one  pint  of  water ;  make  a  tea,  and 

drink  during  the  day.     This  is  a  good  tonic  in  aU  cases  of  debiUty. 

SPICED  BITTERS.     (For  weak  patients.) 
No.  39.     Poplar  bark,  ten  pounds ;   bayberry  bark,  two  pounds ;   balmony  bark,  two 
pounds ;  golden  seal,  one  pound ;  cloves,  one  pound ;  cayenne  pepper,  half  a  pound  ;  loaf 
sugar,  sixteen  pounds.. 

Let  ^ese  articles  all  be  made  fine  and  well  mixed.  Put  a  tablespoonful  of  this  com- 
jiound,  with  four  ounces  of  sugar,  into  a  quart  of  boiling  water.  Take  a  wineglas.^f  lU  three 
times  a  day  before  eatuig,  or  a  teaspoonful  of  these  powders  may  be  taken  in  a  cup  of  hot 
water,  half  an  hour  bef9re  each  meal. 

.  ■  « 

-^ONIC.     (For  ChdorosLi,  or  Green  Sickness.) 

No.  40.  Sulphate  of  quinia.  fifteen  grains:  diluted  sulphuric  acid,  fifteen  drops;  com- 
pound tincture  of  cardamon,  three  drachms ;  tincture  of  hops,  three  draclims ;  compound 
iulusion  of  roses  six  ounces.     Mix. 

Dose. — A  teaspoonful  two  or  three  times  a  day. 

WHOOPING  COUGH  MIXTURE. 

No.  41.  Tincture  of  biood-root,  one  ounce;  tincture  of  red  root,  two  ounces:  tincture 
of  black  cohosh,  one  ounce ;  tincture  of  lobelia,  half  an  ounce ;  tincture  of  belladonna, 
twenty  drcjps.     Mix,  and  shake  well  before  using. 

Dose. — Fur  a  child  one  year  old,  fifteen  or  twenty  drops  in  sweetened  water.  The  fluid 
extracts  (see  p.ige  475)  can  be  used  instead  of  the  tinctures.  Dose,  when  fluid  extracts  are 
Uiieu,  three  to  five  drops. 

TINCTURE   FOR  FEVER  AND   AGUE,   ETC. 

No.  42.  Peruvian  bark  and  wild  cherry  bark,  each  two  ounces;  cinnamon,  cloves,  and 
nulmi-g,  each  one  drachm  ;  wine,  t\v^o  quiu^ts.  Let  it  stand  for  a  few  days  to  extract  the 
BtroiiiTth. 

Dose. — A  Wineglassfnl  every  two  or  three  hours. 

Use.- — A  very  gi>oil  renuJy  for  intermittent  fever,  or  fever  and  ague,  after  suitable 
cyauuautii.     It  frequuutly  removes  the  disease  when  all  otbej:  means  fail. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  465 

ANTI-SPA  SMODICS. 
MiSTimA  Camphors.     (Aqua  Cmnp/iora,  V.  S.) 

No.  43.  First. — Camphor,  two  drachms ;  alcohol,  forty  drops ;  carbonate  magnesia, 
fovir  drachms  ;  distilled  water,  two  pints. 

Dose. — One  to  two  tablospoonfuls. 

U.se. — In  typhoid  conditions,  with  delirium,  for  after  pains.  Tinct.  CAMPHORa;  CoMP. 
(Paniyoric  Elix.,  Tiiicl.  Opii  Camph.). 

Second. — Pulverized  opium,  one  drachm  ;  benzoic  acid,  one  diachm  ;  oil  of  aniseed,  one 
drachm:  sujrar.  two  ounces;  camphor,  two  scruples;  dUiited  alcohol,  two  pints--.  Macer- 
ate for  fourteen  days.     Half  a  drachm  contains  less  than  one  grain  of  opium. 

Doxe. — For  infants,  from  five  to  twenty  drops  ;  adults,  one  to  two  tablespoonfuls. 

I'xe. — To  allay  cough  or  nausea,  to  check  dianhnea,  to  relieve  pain. 

MosCHl'.S.     Preputial  secretion  of  the  musk  animal. 

Ihi-se  and  Form. — Five  to  ten  grains,  in  pill,  bolus,  or  emulsion. 

Use. — Hiccough,  epilepsy,  asthma,  cough,  palpitation. 

TONIC  AND   CATHARTIC. 

No.  44.    Aloes,  gentian,  orange  peel,  juniper  berries,  and   bruised  aniseed,  each  one 
ounce ;  gin,  one  pint.     Mix.     Macerate  for  two  weeks,  and  then  strain. 
Dose. — A  tablespoonful  once  or  twice  a  day.     Good  for  bilious  habits. 

DISCUTIENT   OINTMENT. 

{For  scrofulous  and  glmidular  tumors.) 

No.  45.  Eark  of  bitter-sweet  root,  stramonium  leaves,  cicuta  leaves,  deadly  nightshade, 
and  yellow  dock  root,  each  two  ounces :  lard,  one  poimd.  Bruise  and  simmer  the  roots 
and  leaves  in  spirits ;  then  add  the  lard,  and  simmer  till  the  ingredients  are  crisped  or 
thickened  into  an  ointment. 

FOR  SUPPRESSION   OF  URINE   IN  CHILDREN. 

No.  46.     Oil  of  solidago,  one  drachm  ;  alcohol,  eight  drachms. 

/>o.ve. — From  five  to  twenty  drops  on  sugar  at  a  dose,  to  be  repeated  at  suitable  intervals. 
Proportionably  larger  doses  of  this  are  also  veiy  beneticial  for  flatulence,  faintness,  etc.,  in 
adults. 

GARGLES. 

No.  47.  First. — Raspberry  leaves,  geranium,  blackberry  root,  and  leptandria  root,  each 
ounce.     Mix,  and  make  three  pints  of  strong  decoction.     Suitable  for  a  gargle. 

Second. — Geranium,  golden-seal,  marsh-mallow,  wild  indigo  root,  and  rosemary,  eacli 
half  an  ounce.  Mix,  iind  make  one  pint  of  strong  infusion.  After  straining,  add  two 
drachmg  of  powdered  borax,  and  one  gill  of  honey.     An  excellent  astringent  gargle. 

HONEY  BALSAM. 

No.  48.  Balsam  of  tolu,  balsam  of  fir,  each  two  ounces ;  opium,  two  drachms.  Dissolve 
all  three  in  one  quart  of  alcohol. 

Dose. — A  teaspoonful  occasionally.     Valuable  for  the  relief  of  pulmonary  diseases. 

ANTI-DYSENTERY  CORDIAL. 

No.  49.  Birch  bark  and  peach  pits,  each  two  pounds ;  bayberry  bark,  half  a  pound ; 
uild  cherry  bark,  one  pound :  water,  two  gallons.  Boil  down  to  one  and  a  half  gallons, 
after  which  add  a  gallon  of  good  brandy,  and  loaf  sugar  sufficient  to  make  it  palatable. 

Dose. — A  wiueglassful  tlu-ee  or  four  times  a  day. 

FOR  GRAVEL,   DROPSY.   ETC. 

No.  50.  Queen  of  the  meadow,  milk  weed,  juniper  berries,  dwarf  elder,  spearmint,  wild 
carrot  seed,  of  each  two  ounces.  Put  all  in  a  mortar  and  bruise,  and  boil  the  whole  in  a 
gallon  of  water,  till  half  a  gallon  of  the  liquid  is  left,  and  then  strain. 

Dose. — Half  a  pint  of  the  decoction  is  to  be  taken  several  times  during  the  day. 

COUGH  SYRUP. 

No.  51.  Acetate  of  morphia,  four  grains;  tincture  of  blood-root,  two  drachms;  anti- 
monial  wine,  three  drachms;  ipecacuanha,  three  drachms;  syrup  of  wild  cherry,  three 
ounces.     Mix. 

Dose. — A  tua^-poonful  two  or  three  times  a  day. 
20*  2B 


466  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

FOR  DTSMENORRHCEA. 
No.  5"2.     Vibumin,   aulophyllin,  aach  one  scruple;    gelsemin,  five  grains.     Mix,   and 
divide  into  ten  iwwders.     Dose. — One  every  two  hours  until  relieved. 

FOR   DIARRHCEA. 
No.  53.     Tincture  of  catechu,  half  an  ounce ;  spirits  of  camphor,  tincture  of  myrrh,  and 
tincture  of  cayenne,  each  two  drachms.    Mix. 

/>os(!.— From  half  a  teaspoonful  to  a  teaspoonful  in  diarrhoea. 

INJECTION. 
No.  54.     Castor  oil,  one  gill ;  pulv.  cayenne,  ten  grains ;  table  salt,  one  teaspoonful ; 
molasses,  one  gill ;  warm  water,  one  pint.     Inject. 

FOR  THE  BLUES,    OR  LOW   SPIRITS. 

No.  55.  A  pleasant  cordial  for  low  spirits  is  the  following:  aniseed,  four  drachms;  oU 
of  angelica,  one  drachm;  oil  of  cassia,  forty  drop.s;  oil  of  caraway,  thirty  drops;  proof 
Bpirits,  two  gallons.     Mix  well. 

Done. — Half  a  tablespoonful  in  water. 

SKIN  DISEASES   WITH   MUCH   IRRITATION. 

No.  56.  Decoctions  of  bitter-sweet  and  mallows,  of  each  half  a  pint ;  mix,  and  make  a 
liniment.     Use  the  "  Renovating  PUls  "  internally. 

CHILBLAIN   OINTMENT.  '^ 

No.  57.  Lard,  two  quarts ;  turpentine,  one  pint ;  camphor,  quarter  of  a  pound.  Rub 
Into  the  parts.     This  will  be  found  a  capital  remedy.  « 

ACIDITY   OF   THE   STOMACH.  * 

No.  58.  Hard  wood  ashes,  one  quart ;  common  soot,  half  a  gill ;  water,  six  pints. 
Digest,  settle,  and  filter. 

Dose. — Take  one  tablespoonful  three  times  a  day  in  acidity  of  the  stomach. 

HEMORRHOIDS.     PILES. 

No.  59.  Opium,  one  scruple  ;  pulverized  nut-galls,  one  drachm  ;  ointment  altheea.  Mix, 
and  anoint  the  parts. 

SORE   THROAT. 

No.  60.  Those  subject  to  sore  throat  should  make  a  wash  of  warm  water,  in  which 
wood  ashes  have  been  dissolved,  and  apply  externally  every  nKirniug.  The  "Herbal 
Ointment"  should  be  applied  at  night,  and  well  rubbed  in.  If  the  disease  has  become  per- 
mnnent  or  chronic,  the  "Acacian  Balsam"  niu.st  be  used  according  to  directions.  (See 
page  470.) 

INJECTION   FOR  COSTIVENESS. 

No.  61.  Castor  oil,  two  ounces  ;  tincture  of  prickly  ash  bark,  half  an  ounce;  compoiuid 
tincture  of  Virginia  snake  root,  two  drachms ;  infusion  of  boneset  and  senna,  equal  parts, 
half  a  pint.  Mix,  and  inject.  It  is  by  no  means,  however,  as  good  as  the  "  Renovating 
Pills."    See  page  473. 

TO  PRODUCE   PERSPIRATION. 

No.  62.  Blood-root,  golden-seal,  sumach  ben-ies,  baybeiTy  bark,  of  each  two  drachms; 
all  pulverized.     Mix. 

Dose. — Make  an  infusion  in  a  pint  of  hot  water,  and  give  a  tablespoonful  every  half 
hour. 

POULTICE  FOR  A   FESTER. 

No.  fi.3.  Boil  bread  in  the  settlings  of  strong  beer  ,  apply  the  poultice  In  the  common 
manner.     This  has  saved  many  an  hour  of  suffering. 

•» 

CATAPLASMS,   OR  POULTICES. 

No.  64.  May  be  made  Ijy  moistening  bread  crumbs  with  milk.  They  may  also  be  made 
of  tl.'LXSi'cd,  masted  onions,  snake  rout.  ho])S,  etc. 

Poultices  are  useful  in  nearly  all  cases  of  local  inflammation. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  467 

TOOTHACHE. 

No.  65.  Gum  opium,  pum  camphor,  spirits  of  turpentine,  each  one  Bcruple.  Rub  in  a 
mortar  to  a  paste.     Put  it  in  tlio  hollow  tooth. 

Use. — This  will  cure  and  even  prevent  the  toothache. 

A   FRAGRANT   BREATH. 

No.  66.  Take  sherry  wine,  one  gill ;  gri'ound  cloves  and  grated  nutmeg,  each  one 
drachm ;  cinnamon  and  bruised  caraway  seeds,  each  a  quarter  of  an  ounce.  Place  all 
these  tlry  substances  into  the  wine  or  spirits,  in  a  half  pine  bottle,  and  let  them  stand  for 
several  days,  shaking  the  bottle  every  night  and  morning.  Strain  off  the  tincture  through 
linen  to  get  it  bright,  then  add  about  ten  drops  of  lavender,  or  five  drops  of  the  otto  of 
roses. 

A  few  drops  on  a  lump  of  sugar  dissolved  in  the  mouth,  will  secure  a  breath  of  flowers. 
It  may  be  also  u.sed  with  advantage  on  the  toothbrush,  in  lieu  of  tooth  powder,  or,  mixed 
V,  ith  water,  it  makes  an  excellent  gargle. 

FOOT  BATH. 

No.  C7.  A  bucket  of  warm  water ;  pulv.  cayenne  pepper,  one  tablespoonful ;  ground 
mustard,  two  tablespoonfuls.     Mix. 

Use. — As  a  foot  bath  in  suppression  of  menses. 

TO   IMPROVE  THE  VOICE. 

No.  68.  Beeswax,  two  drachms ;  balsam  of  copaiba,  three  drachms  ;  powdered  liquorice 
root,  four  drachms.  Melt  the  copaiba  with  the  wax  in  a  new  earthen  pipkin.  When  they 
are  melted,  remove  them  from  the  fire,  and,  while  in  a  liquid  state,  mix  in  the  ptiwdered 
liquorice. 

Make  pills  of  three  grains  each.  Two  of  these  pills  to  be  taken  occasionally,  or  three  or 
four  times  a  day  if  necessary. 

Use. — This  is  a  good  remedy  for  clearing  and  denning  the  voice,  and  is  much  used  by 
professional  singers. 

HEADACHE.  NEURALGIC  PAINS. 

No.  69.  Take  of  opodeldoc,  spirits  of  wine,  sal  ammoniac,  equal  parts,  and  apply  like 
any  other  lotion. 

STINGS. 

No.  70.  Bind  on  the  place  a  thick  plaster  of  common  salt  or  saleratus  moistened ;  it 
will  soon  extract  the  venom. 

A   STOMACHIC. 

No.  71.     Fresh  ground  cubebs. 

Dose.     From  five  to  twenty  grains. 

Use. — As  a  stomachic  in  disorders  of  the  digestive  organs. 

FOR  FEVERS  AND   OTHER  ACUTE   DISEASES. 

No.  72.  Asclepin,  one-half  drachm ;  warm  water,  four  ounces ;  compound  tincture  of 
American  hellebore,  thirty  drops.  Dissolve  the  asclepin  in  the  warm  water,  and  after- 
wards add  the  hellebore. 

TJdse. — From  one  to  three  teaspoonfuls  once  in  every  two  hours  as  long  as  the  fever  is 
raging.  If  nausea  occurs,  omit  the  medicine  until  it  subsides.  Shake  the  mixtm'e  well 
before  using. 

OFFENSIVE   BREATH. 

No.  7.3.     Solution  chlorinated  of  soda,  six  drops ;  water,  two  ounces.     Mix. 

Use.     A  sure  remedy  for  an  offensive  breath  emanating  from  a  deranged  stomach. 

ANTIDOTE   FOR   RATTLESNAKE   POISON. 

No.  74.  The  Medical  Journal  says  the  followigg  is  an  infallible  cure  for  the  poison  ot 
ft  rattlesnake  bite.  Iodide  of  potass,  four  grains;  corrosive  sublimate,  two  grains;  bro- 
mine, five  drachms.  Mix  together,  and  keep  the  mixture  in  a  glass-stopjjered  vial,  weU 
secured. 

Dose. — Ten  drops  ol  this  mixture,  dilntetl  with  a  tablespoonful  of  brandy,  constitutes  a 
dose.     The  quantity  to  be  repeated,  if  uecessarj',  according  to  the  exigencies  of  the  case. 


468  TUE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

FOR  CANCER. 

No.  75.  Take  equal  paits  of  fresh  poke-weed,  yellow  dock,  and  blood-root ;  evaporate 
the  juice  by  the  means  of  a  sand  bath  to  the  consistency  of  tar.  The  ointment  should  be 
applied,  after  the  cuticle  has  been  removed  by  a  blister,  three  times  a  day.  The  parts 
should  be  washed  with  good  French  brandy  after  each  apphcation  of  the  ointment.  Before 
tbis  is  used,  the  advice  of  a  physician  should  tirst  be  secured. 

FOR  HIP   DISEASE. 

No.  70.  Take  of  iodine,  one  ounce ;  phosphate  of  lime,  two  ounces ;  water,  one  pint. 
Dissolve  the  iodine  and  lime  in  the  water,  and  add  twenty  grams  of  tannin.  Inject  with 
a  small  syringe  three  or  four  times  a  day. 

Use. — A  valuable  injection  in  hip  disease,  where  the  head  of  the  bone  is  decayed. 

FOR  BRUISES. 

No.  77.  Take  pulv.  slippery  elm  and  pulv.  indigo  weed,  each  one  pound :  gum  myrrh, 
half  a  pound  ;  pulv.  prickly  ash,  a  quarter  of  a  potmd.  Wet  with  good  brewer's  yeast  and 
apply.     A  very  good  poultice  for  bruises. 

FOR   DIPHTHERIA. 

No.  78.     Saturated  tincture  of  scrophularia,  one  drachm,  added  to  half  a  tumbler  of 
water. 
Triturated  macrotin,  twenty  grains,  added  to  a  tumblerful  of  water. 
Dose. — One  teaapoouf  ul  of  each  every  hour.  .^ 

A 
GARGLE   FOR  THE  ELONGATION   OP  THE  UVULA. 

No.  79.  Fluid  extract  of  rhus,  one  drachm;  fluid  extract  of  bayberry,  two  d^ehms; 
water,  two  ounces.  Mix,  and  gargle  the  throat  three  or  four  times  a  day.  Also  bathe  the 
throat  upon  the  outside  in  strong  salt  and  water.     (See  fluid  extracts,  page  475.) 

FOR  BILIOUS   COLIC. 

No.  80.  Fluid  extract  of  vrild  yam,  two  ounces ;  fluid  extract  of  pleuri.sy  root,  one  ounce. 
MJY,  and  take  a  teaspoonful  as  often  as  is  required. 

TO  REMOVE  WARTS  AND  CORNS. 

No.  81.  Apply  the  juice  of  the  leaves  of  the  great  celandine  or  tetter-wort,  and  keep 
applying  until  the  fungous  growth  is  removed. 

FOR  THE  TEETH. 

No.  82.     JIake  charcoal  of  bread,  pulverize  it  until  it  is  reduced  to  an  impalpable  pow- 
der, then  app'y  daily,  morning  and  evening,  with  a  soft  brush  and  pure  cold  water. 
Use. — This  will  keep  tlie  teeth  white,  and  cure  diseases  of  the  gums. 

A   GOOD  MEDICATED   WINE. 

No.  8.3.  Take  of  powdered  colchicum  seed,  two  ounces ;  of  sherry  wine,  twelve  fluid 
ounces.  Put  them  together  in  a  close  glas.s  bottle,  and  let  them  stand  for  fourteen  days, 
giving  a  good  shaking  every  day.  Filter  through  a  fine  muslin  cloth,  and  drink  as 
required. 

INJECTION  FOR  ASIATIC  CHOLERA. 
No.  84.    Take  of  water,  one  fluid  ounce ;  tincture  of  prickly  ash  bcnies,  ona  fluid 
drachm;  tincture  of  opium,  twenty  drops.     Mix  together.     Injeot  in  ordinary  quantity 
until  the  desired  effect  has  been  produced. 

BLEEDING   AT   THE  NOSE. 
No.  65.     Powder  of  rhatany  (fur  internal  use),  ten  grains. 

FOR  OLD  ULCERS. 
No.  fifi.     Take  of  red  chickweed,  which  is  common  both  in  America  and  Europe,  the 
loaves  and  flowers,  and  apply  in  the  form  of  a  poultice,  frequently  changing  them. 


THE   COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


469 


HOW  TO  USE  DR.  0.  PHELPS  BROWN'S 

SirANDARD  HEBBAIi  REMEDIES  IX  THE  DISEASES   FOR 
WHICH  THEY   ARE  DESIGNED. 

The  several  Standard  Herbal  Remedies  described  in  this  article 
have  grown  up  out  of  many  years  of  labor.  Their  sales  at  the 
present  time  are  very  large,  extending  almost  over  the  whole  globe. 
They  are  manufactured  in  England  as  well  as  in  America,  and  we  have 
well  established  agents  in  Africa,  Egypt,  New  Zealand,  Australia,  and 


nearly  all  the  foreign  ports — which  are  too  numerous  to  mention.  But 
what  is  vastly  more  important,  they  give  universal  satisfaction,  and  will 
cure  the  diseases  for  which  they  are  recommended. 

All  juy  remedies  are  purely  lierhal,  as  represented  by  the  ac- 
companying illustrations.  Around  the  Balsam  bottle.  Ointment  and 
Pill  box  are  tlirown  sprigs  of  the  principal  ingredients — twigs  of  the 
Acacia    Tree,   Bittersweet    Vine,   Green  Ozier  ;    sprays    of    the    Water 


470  THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 

Pepper  and  Lobelia,  and  the  leaves  of  the  Mandrake.  Skunk  Cabbage 
and  Ayapana,  which  form  some  of  the  principal  ingredients  of  these 
remedies. 

These  medicines  are  kept  hy  the  principal  wholesale  and 
retail  drilg'ljists  throughout  the  United  States  and  Canada.  Should 
your  druggist  not  have  a  supply  on  hand,  he  can  procure  them  for  you 
from  the  wholesale  house  with  which  he  deals,  without  extra  freight, 
when  ordering  them  with  other  goods.  Should  he,  however,  fail 
to  get  them,  you  can  send  to  me  for  the  medicine  and  your  orders 
will  receive  prompt  attention.  The  express  business  is  now  so  com- 
plete that  an  almost  daily  delivery  can  be  guaranteed  to  all  parts 
of  the  country  ;  while  the  express  charges  for  small  packages  have  been 
reduced  one-half  to  all  towns  where  the  offices  of  the  various  companies 
are  established.  Recollect,  all  the  wholesale  houses  keep  my  Standard 
llcrl)al  Jtcmedies.     A  printed  list  will  be  sent  on  application. 

For  over  twenty  years,  or  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  century,  I  have  been  en- 
gaged in  gathering  herbs  and  treating  patients  from  all  parts  of  the 
country  who   have   favored    me    with    their   confidence.     Out  of  tilis 

practice  lias  g:rowu  my  Standard  Herbal  Ilemedies,  ok  Specifics 
ibr  certain  defined  diseases.  '^ 

The  first  and  most  important  of  these  preparations  is,  perhaos,  the 
Acacian  Balsam,  for  all  lung  affections.  It  lubricates  all  th(^  tubes 
and  air  cells,  removing  inflammation,  loosening  a  cough  and  assist- 
ing the  lungs  to  throw  off  disease.  Persons  far  gone  in  consumption 
have  been  kept  alive  for  years  and  made  very  comfortable  by  the  Acacian 
Balsam  ;  others  who  have  inherited  weak  lungs  from  their  parents,  and 
whose  family  invariably  die  at  an  early  age  with  this  disease,  have  kept 
consumption  at  bay  during  an  ordinary  lifetime  by  the  use  of  this  in- 
valuable remedy.  Such  persons  can  be  referred  to  in  nearly  every  sec- 
tion of  the  country.    Send  for  printed  certificates. 

These  parties,  tliroug'h  my  advice  (given  in  various  other  pub- 
lications, and  my  annual  Shakesperian  Almanac),  never  allow  a  cold 
to  settle  on  the  lungs — but,  upon  the  first  indication  of  a  cold  in  the  head 
or  throat,  they  commence  taking  the  Balsam  and  rubbing  the  Ointment 
night  and  morning  around  the  throat  and  over  the  chest.  In  from 
twenty-four  to  forty-eight  hours  the  cold  is  broken  up  and  gone.  Had 
it  been  allowed  to  extend  downward  to  the  lungs  and  get  firmly  seated, 
it  would  have  ]irobably  resisted  all  efforts  to  throw  it  off ;  although  in 
numberless  cases  this  remedy  has  raised  people,  apparently  in  the  very 
last  stages  of  consumption,  from  their  sick  beds  and  restored  them  to 
health. 

I  liave,  therefore,  unbounded  fiiitli  in  this  remedj'  in  this 
class  of  diseases,  and  would  strongly  urge  its  merits  upon  those 
who  dread  the  ajiproach  of  consumption,  or  have  any  lung  difficulty. 
This  disease  is  so  insiilious  in  its  ai)proaches — so  flattering  in  its  pro- 
gress, up  to-day,  down  to-morrow,  that  those  afflicted  do  not  generally 
realize  their  condition  until  it  has  become  firmly  seated  in  the  system  ; 
whereas,  had  a  remedy   like  the  Balsam  been  employed  in  the  outset, 


THE   COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


471 


the  disease  would  have  been  driven  out  ere  it  could  firmly  locate  itself. 
It  is  as  great  a  folly  to  wait  for  a  disease  of  the  lungs  to  disappear  of 
itself  as  it  would  be  to  stand  on  the  bank  of  a  stream  waiting  for  it  to 
dry  up  to  admit  of  an  early  crossing. 

We  all  know  that  simple  herbal    remedies  are  the   natural 

medicine  designed  by  the  Creator  for  man's  restoration  to  health. 
This  remedy  is  composed  of  five  or  six  herbal  ingredients  that  not  only 
Txjork  together  harmoniously  hut  aid  each  ether  in  eradicating  the  disease 
— one  of  iJiese   ingredients   soothes   the   iiritated  surface,    another    Jicals, 


another  loosens  the  morbid  secretions,  producing  free  and  easy  expectota- 
tion  ;  another  lubj  icates  the  parts,  another  soothes  the  nerves,  producing 
sleep,  another  arrests  night  sweatiiig,  another  provides  nourishment  for 
the  body ;  so  that  if  no  food  can  be  eaten,  the  Balsam,  through  the 
tonic  ]Trovided  by  Ayapana  and  the  nourishing  properties  of  Gum  Acacia 
and  Wild  Honey  will  sustain  lite,  and  thus  all  the  conditions  of  the  dis- 
ease are  overpowered,  and  the  system,  working  together  with  the 
medicine,  is  enabled  to  throw  off  the  fell  destroyer,  called  consumption 
of  the  luugs. 


472  THE   COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

In  addition  to  this  we  have  the  Herbal  Ointment,  which  is  our 
great  external  remedy  ;  it  acts  as  a  blood  circulator  and  a  counter-irritant. 
(Sc-e  ait  on  p.  471).  This  Ointment,  rubbed  well  in  over  the  chest,  throat, 
shoulder-blades,  small  of  the  back,  stomach  and  bowels,  and  up  and  down 
the  spine,  arouses  the  whole  system  to  action.  It  should  be  applied  to 
all  parts  of  the  body  where  pain,  weakness,  irritation,  or  soreness  exist. 
It  circulates  the  blood,  soothes  the  nervous  system,  removes  irritation, 
makes  active  the  kidneys,  assists  digestion  and  strengthens  the  parts  to 
which  it  is  applied. 

Where  constipation  exists,  the  Renovating  Pills  are  to  be  taken  often 
enough  to  keep  the  bowels  soluble  and  regular  ;  they  will  act  on  the  liver, 
and  thus  this  organ  will  also  aid   the  system  in  throwing  off  disease. 

After  years  of  experience  tliis  is  tlic  only  rational  and  suc- 
cessful treatment  I  have  found  in  lung-  complaint. 

One  bottle  of  Balsam  will  break  up  an  ordinaiy  cold — price  one  dollar. 
AVhcn  a  cold  gets  seated,  and  the  first  stages  of  Consumption  are  pre- 
senting themselves,  six  bottles  of  Balsam  ;  two  large  pots  of  Herbal 
Ointment  and  one  small  box  Renovating  Pills  will  be  required.  Total, 
six  dollars    and  twenty-five  cents.  ^      ^ 

Let  me  again  urge  the  necessity  of  breaking  up  a  cold  ere  it  «firmly 
locates  itself  on  the  lungs.  One  bottle  will  do  this,  and  save  n^t  only 
money  but  perhaps  a  long  period  of  sickness.  Yes,  perhaps  save  you 
from  consumption  itself.  The  Acacian  Balsam  is  a  positive  cure  for 
astlinia,  no  matter  of  how  long  standing. 

The  Restorative  Assimilant  and  Herbal  Ointment  are  better 
known  throughout  the  United  States  and  Canada  than  any  of  my  other 
remedies  The  Restorative  Assimilant  is  designed  for  all  diseases  of  the 
stomach  and  digestive  organs  ;  it  assimilates  the  juices  of  the  stomach; 
gives  strength  and  lone  to  this  organ,  and  removes  any  unnatural  condition 
that  may  exist.  Many  thousand  people  can  testify  to  its  curative  qualities 
in  Epilepsy  or  Fits.  Experience  has  taught  me  that  this  disease  is  caused, 
in  ninety-nine  cases  out  of  a  hundred,  by  a  peculiarly  disordered  con- 
dili(jn  of  the  stomach.  The  Restorative  Assimilant  removes  this  peculiar 
condition,  thus  curing  the  disease.  Many  epileptics  never  have  a  single 
attack  after  the  fir^t  dose  of  tlie  medicine  ;  the  majority  of  cases  require 
three  bottles,  wliich  we  consider  a  fair  test  in  any  case.  While  takingthe 
Restorative  Assimilant,  the  Herbal  Ointment  and  Renovating  Pills  should 
also  be  used.  The  Ointment  is  to  be  well  and  freely  rubbed  in  twice  a 
day,  night  and  morning,  up  and  down  the  spine,  around  the  neck,  across 
the  small  of  the  back,  and  sparingly  over  the  stomach  and  bowels,  to 
bootlic  the  nervous  system,  strengthen  the  jiarts  and  assist  digestion. 

The  Itenovatiui!:  Tills  are  to  be  taken  often  enoua;ii  to  keep  the 
bowels  gently  open  and  rcguhar.  They  will  emulge  the  liver  and  thus  this 
organ  will  aid  in  throwing  off  disease.  A  confirmed  case  of  epilepsy  will  re- 
quire three  Ijottlcs  of  Restorative  Assimilant,  price  Five  dollars  ;  two  large 
pots  of  Hcr))al  Ointment,  One  dollar ;  one  small  box  of  Pills,  twenty-five 


THE   COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  473 

cents.  Total,  Six  dollars  and  twenty-five  cents.  Sent  by  express,  se- 
curely packed,  if  the  remedies  cannot  be  had  of  the  local  druggist. 

The  Restorative  Assimilant  especially  is  valuable  in  all  female  irreg- 
ularities. It  removes  internal  inflammation,  heals  ulceration  and  tones 
up  and  strengthens  the  system  generally.  It  is  one  of  the  best  and  most 
efficacious  tonics  in  existence  for  general  and  local  debility. 

Nervousness  and  sleeplessness  (from  each  of  which  so  many  persons 
suffer  at  the  present  day),  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten  arise  from  a  dis- 
arranged stomach.  A  few  doses  of  the  Restorative  Assimilant  will  set 
the  digestive  wheels  in  motion,  thus  relieving  the  system  from  nervous- 
ness and  irritation,  and  soothing  the  nervous  system  to  rest. 

Ijidiarrlioea,or  evoii  dysentery  in  its  worstform,  the  Assimilant 
acts  promptly  in  disinfecting  the  stomach,  healing  all  inflammation  of  the 
bowels,  and  checking  the  disease  without  leaving  any  bad  effects  behind. 
I  have  known  a  man  tottering  feebly  along  from  chronic  diarrhoea,  to  be 
set  upon  his  feet  with  renewed  life  and  vigor  in  less  than  forty-eight 
hours,  from  a  few  doses  of  this  medicine,  so  astonishing  are  its  results. 
One  pint  bottle  will  cure  any  case.  I  have  never  known  it  to  fail  in  a 
single  instance. 

Next  ill  order  comes  my  Rock  Rose  and  Stilling^ia  Blood 
Purifier,  and  the  Liver  Invigorator.  The  names  of  these  preparations 
indicate  the  diseases  for  which  they  are  intended.  Each  is  prepared 
with  great  care  to  meet  the  requirements  of  Blood  and  Liver  Complaints. 

To  change  the  condition  of  the  blood  from  an  unhealthy  and  impure 
condition  to  one  of  health  and  purity  is  a  work  of  time  ;  a  bottle  or  two 
of  the  above  remedy  will  accomplish  but  little  good,  but  a  course  of  six 
bottles  will  make  one  feel  like  a  new  creature  ;  it  will  cleanse  the  com- 
plexion, cure  eruptions  of  the  skin,  give  buoyancy  to  the  step  and  bright- 
ness to  the  eye.  The  price  of  Six  bottles  of  Blood  Purifier  is  Five 
dollars. 

Two  or  three  bottles  of  the  Liver  Invigorator  will  emulge  the  liver  and 
remove  the  many  feelings  of  distress  attending  the  torpidity  of  this  or- 
gan. In  all  cases  of  liver  complaint  I  also  advise  the  use  of  the  Reno- 
vating Pills  as  necessary  to  cany  off  all  morbid  secretions  from  the  system. 
The  Liver  Invigorator  is  One  dollar  per  bottle. 

I  will  close  with  a  few  remarks  about  my  Male  Fern  Vermifuge 
and  Herbal  Ointment  Sui)])ositories.    (See  cut  07i  page  474). 

Tiiere  is  not  a  case  of  Files  or  Fistula  in  the  L'nited  States 

that  the  Suppositories  will  fail  to  cure  j^rovided  they  be  used  a  reasonable 
length  of  time,  if  used  in  connection  with  a  course  of  my  Blood  Purifier 
in  scrofulous  constitutions.  The  Suppositories  here  represented  are  to  be 
used  for  internal  piles,  and  the  Herbal  Ointment  is  to  be  used  for  ex- 
ternal piles.  Both  are  to  be  used  when  the  piles  are  both  external 
and  internal.    If  the  patient  is  not  particularly  scrofulous  the  Blood  I'uri- 


474 


rilE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


fier  may  be  omitted  and  the  Ointment  and  Suppositories  will  do  the  work. 

The  Male  Fern  Yermifug'C  is  decidedly  the  most  reliable  Vermifuge 
ever  manufactured  ;  it  not  only  removes  every  variety  of  worm  (even 
tapeworms)  from  the  body,  but  their  nests  also.  It  is  as  pleasant  to  the 
taste  as  aromatic  syrup — children  never  refuse  to  take  it,  and  being 
equally  effectual  among  adults,  it  proves  an  invaluable  remedy. 

The  Woodland  Balm,  for  the  hair,  invigorates  the  scalp,  causing  a 
new  crowth  of  hair,  while  it  cures  all  eruptions,  and  removes  un- 
natural heat  from  the  head.  Space  will  not  permit  a  farther  description, 
as  I  do  not  wish  to  say  much  about  my  Standard  Herbal  Remedies  in 


this  work,  as  it  is  intended  to  give  formulas  for  the  benefit  of  the  public. 
Those  who  wish  to  know  more  about  them,  have  but  to  address  me  and 
procure  half  a  dozen  copies  of  my  Shakesperian  Almanac  (for  themselves 
and  friends),  which  is  published  annually  about  the  first  of  December, 
and  can  be  had  at  any  time  of  the  year — free  ! 

This  almanac  contains  a  large  number  of  certificates  of  cures  wrought 
by  my  Standard  Herbal  Remedies  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States. 
Many  of  them  are  from  persons  who  had  been  given  up  as  incurable  by 
various  physicians.  Being  thus  throvn  upon  their  own  resources, 
they  sought  for  themselves  a  remedy,  and  my  preparations  being  brought 
to  their  notice  through  liberal  advertising  or  friends,  they  had  faith 
enough  to  procure  and  give  them  a  fair  trial,  which  resulted  in  their  being 
restored  to  health. 


THE   COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  475 

My  Slaiidard  Herbal  Remedies  embrace  nine  preparations.^  Should 
any  one  be  in  doubt  as  to  which  of  the  remedies  are  adapted  to  his  or  her 
individual  case,  I  may  be  addressed  on  the  subject,  with  a  short  de- 
scription of  case,  and  will  promptly  give  the  required  advice  and  my 
opinion  by  return  mail,  free  of  charge.  Remittances  may  be  made 
safely  by  P.  O.  Order  or  Registered  Letter.     Address 

DR.    O.    PHELPS  BROWN, 
No.  21  Grand  Street,  Jersey  City.  N.  J. 


DE.  O.  PHELPS   BROWN'S  , 

STANDARD    FLUID    EXTRACTS. 

The  fluid  extract  is  the  most  elegant  form  for  administering  medicinal 
agents,  being  concentrated,  and  containing  just  enough  alcohol  to  pre- 
serve them  from  degeneration  by  age.  They  can,  therefore,  be  admin- 
istered in  all  inflammatory  conditions,  in  which  tinctures  containing  a 
greater  quantity  of  alcohol  are  not  admissible. 

My  fluid  extracts  are  superior  to  any  that  are  manufactured.  They 
are  prepared  without  the  aid  of  heat,  in  perfect  vacuum,  and  from  plants 
gathered  at  the  proper  seasons,  in  soils  best  adapted  for  medicinal  per- 
fection, and  in  climates  to  which  they  are  indigenous,  and  in  which  they 
attain  their  richest  medicinal  development.  This  is  not  the  case  with 
other  manufacturers — they  prepare 'them  from  plants  of  indiscriminate 
selection,  which  accounts  for  their  frequent  worthlessness.  These  fluid- 
extracts  are  guaranteed  for  high  character  and  reliabilitj-,  and  physiciana 
can  depend  upon  their  action  with  all  confidence. 

It  is  my  particular  desire  in  preparing  them  to  offer  to  households 
good  and  convenient  remedies,  by  which  they  can  treat  all  cases  of  sick- 
ness occurring.  They  will  find  them,  by  the  aid  of  this  work,  very  ad- 
vantageous for  domestic  medication.  To  meet  the  wants  of  families, 
the  author  sells  them  in  standard  small  quantities,  as  it  is  not  to  be 
supposed  that  they  desire  or  have  use  for  such  large  quantities  that 
physicians  or  druggists  ordinarily  purchase. 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  list  is  very  complete,  and  so  systematically 
arranged  that  no  error  can  occur,  as  the  virtues  and  doses  of  each  are 
appended.  Those  marked  with  a  star  *  should  not  be  used  without  the 
advice  of  a  physician,  and  even  then  the  administering  should  be  very 
carefully  and  watchfully  done. 

These  extracts  are  sent  by  express,    on  receipt  of  price,  carefully 


476 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


packed  in  strong  boxes.     All  of  them  are  warranted  to  possess  the  hihg- 
est  excellence  of  \-irtue,  and  to  exert  the  full  therapeutic  effects  desired. 

Address,  Dr.  O.  Phelps  Brown, 
21  Orandsi.,  Jersey  City,  N.  J. 

FLUID   EXTRACTS, 


FLUID   EXTBACT  OF 


Aconite*  (leaves). . . 

Aconite*  (rootj 

Agrimony 

American  Valerian. 


Arnica  Flowers. 
Avens  Root. . . . 

Balm 

Balmony 

Barberry 

Bayberry 

Belladonna* 

Beth  Hoot 

Bitter  Root 

Bittersweet 


Black  Alder .. .-. . 

Blackberry  Root 

Blood  Root 

Blue  Flag 

Boneset 

Boxwood 

Buchu 

"     Comp 

Biickhorn 

Buckthorn 

Bugle  Weed 

Butternut 

Button  Snakeroot... 
Cannabis  Indica*  . . . 

Canella 

Centaury 

Cinchona  ^Calisaya). 

Chamomile 

Checkerberry 

Cherry  Bark 

"         Comp.. . 

Cleavers 

Coca 

Colocynth* 

Cohosh,  black 

Cohosh,  blue 

Colchicum  Root 

"         Seeds 

Coltsfoot 

Colnmbo ' . 

Comfrey 

Conium* 

Cotton  Root* 

Cramp  Bark 

Cranesbill 

Cubebs. 


MEDICINAL  PEOPEKTIE8. 


Narcotic  and  sedative . 


Tonic,  alterative,  and  astringent 

Tonic,  stimulant,  diaphoretic,  and  antispas- 
modic   

Stimulant  and  tonic 

Tonic  and  astringent. 

Stimulant,  diaphoretic,  and  antispasmodic. . 

Tonic,  cathartic,  ami  anthelmintic 

Tonic  and  laxative 

Astringent  and  stimulant 

Anodyne,  relaxant,  antispasmodic 

Astringent,,  tonic,  antiseiitic ■ 

Emetic,  diaphoretic,  tonic,  and  laxative 

Narcotic,  diuretic,  alterative,  diaphoretic, 
discutient 

Tonic,  alterative,  and  astringent 

Astringent 

Emetic,  diaphoretic,  stimulant,  tonic 

Cathartic,  alterative,  sialagogue,  diuretic... 

Tonic,  aperient,  diaphoretic,  emetic 

Tonic,  astringent,  antiperiodic,  stimulant.  . . 

Diuretic,  stimulant,  tonic 


Mucilaginous,  tonic,  and  styptic 

Cathartic , 

Sedative,  tonic,  astringent,  narcotic 

Cathartic 

Diuretic,  tonic,  stimulant,  emmenagogue. 

Narcotic,  diiu-etic,  diaphoretic 

Aromatic,  stinuUant,  tonic 

Tonic  and  antiperiodic 

Tonic,  antiperiodic,  febrifuge 

Tonic,  carminative,  antispasmodic 

Stinuilant,  aromatic,  astringent . . 

Tonic,  stimulant,  expectorant 


Refrigerant  and  diuretic 

Tonic  and  vivifier 

Drastic  cathartic 

Tonic,  antispasmodic,  diuretic 

Emmenagogue,  ])artiu-ient,  antispasmodic. 
Sedative,  cathartic,  diuretic,  emetic 


Emollient,  demulcent,  tonic. 

Bitter  tonic 

Denuilccnt  and  astringent.  . 

Narcitic 

Emmenagogue,  partm'ient. . . 

.Antispasmodic 

Astrill'_'rllt. 

Diuretic,  stimulant,  toaic 


2  to    5  drops 
2  or    3 
30  to  60 

.30  to  60 
10  to  3U 
10  to  £0 
30  to  00 
30  to  60 
30  to  60 
30  to  60 
2  to    5 

30  to-eo 
lotoau 

20  to  JO 
30  to  60 
20  to  40 
5  to  30 
20  to  -10 
30  to  60 
20  to  40 
20  to  40 
10  to  30 
30  to  60 
30  to  60 
30  to  60 
30  to  (iO 
30  to  60 

2  to  5 
10  to  20 
10  to  30 
20  to  40 
30  to  60 
30  to  60 
20  to  60 
20  to  60 
30  to  60 
30  to  60 
10  to  30 
10  to  30 
10  to  .30 

3  to  10 
5  to  15 

30  to  60 
10  to  30 
30  to  60 
5  ti)  10 
30  to  60 
30  to  60 
20  to  40 
30  to  40 


Price 
per 


J  c.ts. 
20 
25 
20 

25 

15 
15 
15 
15 
15 
15 
30 
20 
25 

20 
20 
15 
20 
20 
15 
15 
30 
30 
15 
20 
15 
15 
20 
75 
15 
15 
75 
20 
15 
20 
25 
15 
3  00 
35 
25 
20 
25 
.30 
15 

;:» 

20 
25 
35 
15 
20 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


477 


FLUID   EXTRACT   OF 


Culver's  Root 

Cundurango 

Daiulelion 

Digitalis* 

Dragon  Root 

Dwarf  Elder 

Elecampane 

Ergot*  

Fever  few 

Fireweed 

Frobtwort, 

Garden  Celandine  . 

Gelseminum* 

Gentian 

Gillenia 

Golden  Seal 

Golden  Rod 

Gold  Thread 

Hardback 

Hellebore,   black* . . 

Henbane* 

Hop 

Hydrangea 

Hyssop 

Ignatia  Bean* .   ... 

Ipecac 

Jalap* 

John's  Wort 

Juniper  Berries 

Kousso 

Ladies'  Slipper 

Life  Everlasting 

Life  Root 

Lily  Root 

Liverwort 

Lobelia ^. . . . 

Logwood 

Lovage  (Privet). . . . 

Lungwort 

Male  Fern 

Jlaiidrake 

JIarshmallow 

Jlatico 

Motherwort 

Mugwort 

Nux  Vomica* 

Opium,  deodorized* 

Pareira  Brava 

Pennyroyal 

Pinkroot 

Pipsissewa 

I'leurisy  Root 

Poke  Root 

Poplar  Bark 

Prickly  Ash 

Ptelea 


MEDICINAL  PROPERTIES. 


Cathartic,  cholagogue,  tonic 

Alterative,  anticarcinomous 

Cathartic,  tonic,  alterative,  diuretic 

Sedative,  diuretic,  diaphoretic 

Expectorant  and  diaphoretic 

Sudorific,  diuretic,  alterative 

Stimulant  and  tonic 

Parturient 

Emmcnagogue,  tonic,  stimulant 

Emetic,  cathartic,  tonic 

Alterative,  anti-scrofulous 

Stimulant,  alterative,  diuretic,  diaphoretic, 
vulnerai-y  

Febrifuge,  antispasmodic 

Bitter  tonic 

Emetic,  cathartic,  tonic .■ 

Tonic,  calmative 

Stimulant,  carminative 

Bitter  tonic 

Astringent 

Antispasmodic,  diuretic,  emmenagogue 

Narcotic 

Tonic,  hypnotic,  febrifuge,  antilithic 

Diuretic,  anticalculus 

Stimulant,  arouiatic,  tonic 

Cerebro-spinal  tonic 

Expectorant,  emetic 

Drastic  cathartic 

Astringent,  sedative,  and  diuretic 

Stimulant,  carminative,  diuretic 

Anthelmintic,  anti-tape-worm 

Tonic,  stimulant,  diaphoretic,  antispas- 
modic   ,. 

Astringent 

Diuretic,  pectoral,  diaphoretic,  tonic 

Astringent,  demiilcent,  anodyne,  anti-scro- 
fulous  

Mucilaginous,   astringent 

Emetic,  expectorant,  relaxant,  antispasmo- 
dic, discutient,  and  anodyne,  externally . . 

Tonic,  astringent 

Astringent 

Demulcent  and  mucilaginous 

Anthelmintic 

Cathartic,  cholagogue,  tonic 

Demulcent  and  diuretic 

Stimulant,  diuretic,  astringent,  alterative. . . 

Emmenagogue,  nervine,  antispasmodic,  laxa- 
tive.  

Tonic,  narcotic 

Cerebro-spinal  tonic 

Anodyne 

Tonic,  diuretic,  aperient  

Stimulant,  diaphoretic,  emmenagogue,  and 
carminati  ve 

Anthelmintic 

Diuretic,  tonic,  alterative,  astringent 

Expectorant,  diaphoretic,  tonic 

Emetic,  cathartic,  alterative,  narcotic 

Tonic  and  febrifuge 

Stimulant,  tonic,  alterative,  sialagogue 

Tocic,  autiperiodic 


10  to  30  drops 
10  to  30 
30  to  00 
2  to  5 
10  to  30 
80  to  (50 
30  t«  (iO 
10  to  30 
20  to  40 
30  to  (iO 
20  to  40 


.30  to  60 

5  to  10 

20  to  40 

3(/  to  60 

20  to  40 

30  to  60 

20  to  40 

5  to  15 

5  to  10 

5  to  15 

30  to  60 

20  to  40 

30  to  60 

3  to    5 

5  to  30 

10  to  .30 

30  to  60 

30  to  GO 

30  to  60 

20  to  40 
30  to  60 
10  to  30 


10  to  .30     " 
1  dram 

10  to  30  drops 
20  to  40 
30  to  60 
30  to  (K) 
20  to  40 
10  to  60 
20  to  40 
10  to  30 


30  to  60 
20  to  40 
3  to  10 
3  to  10 
30  to  60 

30  to  60 
20  to  40 
20  to  40 
20  to  40 
10  to  30 
20  to  40 
10  to  .30 
10  to  30 


Price 
per 


$  cts. 
25 
2  00 
25 
20 
15 
15 
15 
50 
15 
20 
15 


478 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


FLtTTD   EXTRACT   OF 


Quassia 

Queen  of  the  Meadow.. 

Rhatany 

Rhubarb 

Rosin  Weed 

Sape 

Sarsapaiilla  (American) 
"  (i'oreign). . 

Sassafi-as. 

Savine* 

Savory  

Scullcap 

Seneka 

Senna 

Skunk  Cabbage 

Snake  Root 

Soap  Wort 

Solomon's  Seal 

Spearmint 

Spikenard 

Squill 

Stillingia 

Stoneroot 

Stramonium* 

Sumach 

Sweet  Gale  (Myrica).. 

TaK  Alder 

Tansy 

Thorough  wort. 

Thyme 

Turkey  Corn 

Unicorn  Root 

Uva  Ursi 

Valerian 

Vervain 

Veratnun* 

Wahoo 

Water  Pepper 

Wild  Indigo 

Wild  Yam 

WiU^h  Hazel 

Wormwood 

Wormseed 

Yarrow 

Yellow  Dock 

Yellow  I'ariUa. 


MEDICINAL  PROPERTIES. 


Bitter  tonic 

Diuretic,  stimulant,  tonic 

A  powerful  astringent 

Cathartic 

Tonic,  diaphoretic,  alterative 

Tonic,  astringent,  expectorant,  diaphoretic. 

Alterative 

Alterative 

Alterative 

Emmenagoprue,  diuretic,  diaphoretic. 

Stimulant,  carminative,  emmenagogue 

Antispasmodic 

Emotic  and  cabhartic 

Cathiirtic 

Emetic,  stimulant,  antispasmodic,  discutient, 

externally 

Tonic,  diuretic,  diaphoretic 

Tonic,  diaphoretic,  alterative 

Tonic,  astringent 

Carminative 

Alterative    

Emetic,  expectorant 

An  une(iualled  alterative 

Stimulant 

Energetic  narcotic 

Tonic,  astringent,  antiseptic 

Astringent  and  stimulant 

Alterative,  emetic,  astringent 

Emmenagogue,  diaphoretic 

Tonic,  aperient,  diaiihoretic,  expectorant... 

Emmenagogue,  diaphoretic 

Alterative 

Tonic,  diuretic,  sialagogue 

Astiingent  and  tonic 

Sedative 

Tonic,  antispasmodic 

Sedative.  dia))horetic 

Tonic,  alterative,  expectorant : . .  . . 

Stimulant,  diuretic,  diaphoretic,  excellent, 

external  remedy 

Purgative,  emetic,  stimulant 

Antispasmodic 

Tonic,  astringent,  sedative 

Tonic,  anthelmintic 

Authehuinuc 

Astringent,  diuretic,  alterative 

Alterative,  tonic,  detergent 

Tonic,  laxative,  alterative 


20  to  40  drops 

20  to  40  ' 

20  to  40  ' 

10  to  30  ' 

20  to  60  ' 

30  to  60  ' 

30  to  60  ' 

30  to  (iO  ' 

30  to  60  ' 

10  to  20  ' 

20  to  40  ' 

20  to  40  ' 

15  to  30  ' 

30  to  60  ' 


20  to  50 
10  to  30 
10  to  60 
20  to  40 
30  to  60 
."0  to  60- 

2  to  15^^ 
10  to  30 
10  to  30 

3  to  10 
30  to  60 
30  to  60 
30  to  60 
30  to  60 
30  to  60 
30  to  60 
10  to  30 
30  to  60 
20  to  40 
20  to  40 
20  to  40 

2 
30  to  60 


10  to  30 
10  to  30 
10  to  30 
30  to  60 
10  to  30 
10  to  30 
10  to  40 
30  to  60 
10  to  30 


Price 
per 
oz. 

$  cts. 
15 
15 
30 
50 
30 
20 
25 
30 
20 
20 
25 
20 
40 
20 

20 
30 
20 
20 
20 
20 
40 
30 
25 
20 
15 
15 
15 
15 
15 
15 
25 
30 
30 
30 
25 
40 
30 

15 
15 

20 
15 
15 
20 
15 
30 
30 


In  the  administration  of  these  fluid-extracts  the  minimum  doso 
should  first  he  given,  and  if  the  desired  effect  is  not  fully  respon.sive,  the 
doses  should  be  gradually  increased  to  the  maximum  dose.  In  some 
cases  even  larger  doses  may  be  required  than  those  given  as  ordinarily 
sufficient  for  inducing  their  therapeutic  effects. 

In  consequence  of  trouble  in  packing,  not  less  than  two  Doll.^rs' 
worth  of  these  fluid-extracts  will  bo  sent  at  one  time,  unless  ordered  in 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 


479 


connection  with  some  of  my  Standard  Remedies.     The  quantity  may 
either  consist  of  one  medicine,  or  of  an  indiscriminate  selection  from  the 
whole  list.    They  are  packed  in  strong  bottles,  fully  labelled,  and  guaran- 
teed pure.     They  can  only  be  sent  by  express. 
All  orders  should  be  addressed  to 

Dr.  O.  Phelps  Brown, 
21  Grand  St.,  Jersey  City,  N.  J. 


ELECTRO-MAGNETIC    MACHINE. 

Formerly  electric  machines  were  unreliable,  alwajs  troublesome,  and 
constantly  getting  out  of  order,  a  source  of  annoyance  and  perplexity.  All 
these  inconvenicuces  are  now  obviated  in  this  machine  {sec  cut),  which  Is 

manufactured  for  us  by  the 
Galvano-Faradac  Manufacturing 
Company.  It  combines  cheap- 
ness, simplicity  and  power.  The 
method  of  using  it  may  be  made 
known  in  a  few  sontencfs  m  liich 
are  sent  with  the  macliiuc.  The 
use  of  electricity  for  medical 
purposes,  confined  some  few 
years  since  to  a  few  specialists, 
has  now  become  of  common  use  in 
families  all  over  the  country,  and 
it  is  a  very  valuable  remedy  in  a 
wide  range  of  diseases,  and  es- 
pecially is  it  reliable  when  used 
in  connection  with  my  Herbal 
Ointment.  Thus  used  it  is  im- 
portant in  nervous  affections, 
paralysis,  general  debility,  loss 
of  voice,  when  it  comes  from 
fatigue,  hysteria  or  fright  ;  ap- 
poplexy,  prolapsus  ani,  muscular 
atrophy,  facial  palsy,  varicose 
Price  $15.  veins,  aneurism,  vomitiug,  hydro- 

cele, paralysis  of  the  muscles  of  the  eye,  cerebral  softening,  hemiplegia, 
hydatids,  enlarged  joints,  lead  palsy,  enlargement  of  spleen,  neuralgia, 
numbness,  rheumatism,  gout,  swellings,  weak  or  diseased  spine,  tumors, 
etc.,  etc.  After  the  application  of  the  electric  current  my  Herbal  Oint- 
ment should  be  freely  applied  and  well  rubbed  in  over  the  afflicted  parts. 
The  beneficial  result  of  the  union  of  these  two  powerful  external  remedies 
in  many  cases  cannot  be  overestimated — the  one  arousing  action  and 
electrifying,  the  other  healing,  soothing,  and  giving  warmth  and  re- 
newed liife,  health  and  streiicth. 
Price  of  Ointment  25  and  50  cents  per  pot ;  2  and  4  cts.  extra  for  postage. 
If  constipation  exists  in  any  of  the  above  diseases  a  few  doses  of  my 
Renovating  Pills  should  be  taken. 

For  a  farther  description  of  my  Herbal  Ointment  send  for  my  "Treatise 
on  Herbal  Remedies,"  which  is  supplied  free  to  all  applicants. 


480'  THE    COMPLETE   HERBALIST. 


GLOSSARY. 

It  is  confidently  believed  that  all  the  technical  terms  introduced  into 
this  work  are  fully  defined  in  this  Glossary.  Many  of  the  medical  terms 
are  explained  where  they  occur,  and  even  some  of  those  that  are  here 
defined  are  explained  at  the  place  wheie  first  employed,  but  are  inserted 
here  also,  so  as  to  make  this  Glossary  sufficiently  complete  for  ready 
reference  by  the  most  casual  reader. 

ACKO-NARCOTic,  Medicines  that  act  on  the  brain,  or  spinal  marrow,  or 
both,  but  at  the  same  time  irritate  the  parts  to  which  they  are  ap- 
plied. 

Adjuvant,  A  medicine  that  aids  the  operation  of  the  principal  ingredi- 
ent of  a  mixture  or  compound. 

Adynamic,  Pertaining  to  adynamia,  or  debility  of  the  vital  powersS 

Aekation,  Charging  with  air  ;  the  transformation  of  venous  blood  and 
chyle  into  arterial  blood  by  respiration  ;  arterialization. 

Akfeuent,  Conveying  inward,  nerves  that  convey  impressions  towards 
the  nervous  centres. 

Albumen,  The  immediate  principle  of  animals  and  vegetables  ;  it  con- 
stitutes the  chief  part  of  the  white  of  an  egg. 

Alkaloid,  Having  the  property  of  or  pertaining  to  an  alkali. 

Alvine,  Relating  to  the  lower  belly,  as  alvine  dejections,  etc. 

Amarous,  Bitter. 

AN/Estiietic,  Relatmg  to  privation  of  feeling  ;  a  medicine  that  prevents 
feeling. 

An/E.mia,  a  bloodless  condition. 

Antapiirodisiac,  a  substance  capable  of  blunting  venereal  desires. 

Antipkuiodic,  a  medicine  which  possesses  the  power  of  arresting  mor- 
bid periodical  movements,  as  Peruvian  bark. 

Apkriknt,  a  medicine  that  gently  opens  the  bowels. 

Aphonia,  A  voiceless  condition  ;  loss  of  voice. 

Aphrodisiac,  A  substance  that  excites  the  venereal  passions. 

Antiseptic,  Opposed  to  imtrefaction. 

Aphthous,  Pertaining  to  aphthiy  or  thrush. 

AllEOLAiJ,  Appertaining  to  an  areola,  or  the  space  between  the  fibres, 
coiiiiiosing  organs,  or  between  vessels  which  interlace  each  other. 

Asthenic.  Debilitated  ;   pertaining  to  asthenia,  or  woJit  of  strength. 

Atociao,  Pertaining  to  atocia  or  sterility ;  sterile. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  481 

Atonic,  Wanting  tone ;  weakness  of  every  organ,  and  particularly  of 

those  that  are  contractile. 
Atrophy,  Defective  nutrition ;  a  diminution  in  the  bulk  of  the  whoh 

body,  or  of  a  part. 

Bougie,  An  instrument  used  for  the  purpose  of  dilating  the  urethra. 

Cachectic,  Belonging  or  pertaining  to  cachexia ;  depraved  nutrition  of. 
a  bad  habit  of  the  body. 

Cadaverous,  Pertaining  to  or  resembling  the  cadaver,  or  de'xd  bodj. 

Calisthenic,  Pertaining  to  calisthenics,  or  the  art  of  promoting,  bj' 
appropriate  exercises,  strength  of  body  and  grace  of  movements. 

Capillary,  Hair-like ;  small. 

Caries,  Death  or  decay  of  a  bone. 

Carminative,  A  remedy  that  aUays  paia  or  proinotes  the  expulsion  oi 
tiatus,  or  wind,  from  the  bowels. 

Cardiac,  Pertaining  to  the  heart. 

Cartilage,  A  solid  part  of  the  body  of  e.  medium  consistence  between 
bone  and  ligament. 

Caseine,  The  chief  constituent  of  miLc 

Catamenial,  Pertaining  to  catamenia,  or  menstrual  flow. 

Cath.\rsis,  a  natural  or  artificial  purgation,  or  movement  of  the  bowels. 

Cerebral,  Pertaining  to  the  brain. 

Cervical,  Pertaining  or  belonging  to  the  cervix  or  neck. 

CiiOLAGOGUE,  A  medicine  that  causes  a  flow  of  bile. 

Cholesterine,  An  inodorous,  insipid  substance,  forming  the  crystal- 
line part  of  a  biliary  calculas,  and  contained  in  neurine  and  various 
other  tumors  ;  also  iu  the  seeds  of  many  plants,  olive  oil,  etc. 

Chronic,  Of  long  duration. 

Chymification,  Formation  of  chyme,  or  the  pulp  formed  by  the  food 
and  various  secretions,  after  it  has  been  for  some  time  in  the  stom- 
ach. 

Clonic,  Irregular  convulsive  motions ;  convulsion  with  alternate  relax- 
ation. 

CoLLiQUATrv'E,  Profuse ;  exhausting ;  a  term  applied  to  discharges 
which  produce  rapid  exhaustion. 

Comatose,  Pertaining  to  coma,  or  a  profound  state  of  sleep,  from  which 
it  is  difficult  to  aroi:.5e  the  individual. 

Corrigent,  Corrective  ;  a  medicine  that  mollifies  or  corrects  the  action 
of  a  pharmaceutical  preparation. 

Deglutition,  The  action  of  swallowing. 

Delirium,  Straying  from  the  rules  of  reason ;  wandering  of  the  mind. 
Deobstruent,  a  medicine  having  the  power  of  removing  obstructions, 
21  2f 


482  THE    COJIl'LETE    HERBALIST. 

Deodorized,  Deprived  of  odor  or  smell. 

DES<iUAMATiON,  Exfoliation,  or  separation  of  the  scarf  skin,  in  the  form 
of  scales. 

Detergents,  Medicines  that  cleanse  parts,  as  wounds,  ulcers,  etc. 

Diagnosticate,  Forming  a  diagnosis  or  character  of  a  disease  by  its 
symptoms. 

DtAniouESis,  A  greater  degree  of  perspiration  than  natural,  but  less 
than  sweating. 

Diathesis,  Disposition  of  the  body ;  predisposition  to  a  certain  disease. 

DtscuTiENT,  A  medicine  having  the  power  to  discuss,  repel,  or  resolve 
tumors. 

DiUKESis,  A  greater  discharge  of  urine  than  natural. 

Drastic,  Active  ;  a  name  given  to  those  cathartics  that  operate  power- 
fully. 

Duct,  The  canal  leading  from  a  gland  or  vesicle. 

DysI'Ncea,  Difficiilty  of  breathing. 


Ectozoa,  Parasitic  animals  that  infest  the  exterior  of  the  body,  ^s  lice, 

etc. 
Efferent,  Conveying  outwards ;  nerves  that  convey  nervous  stimvdua 

from  the  brain  to  other  parts. 
Effluvia,  Emanations,  miasms,  noxious  matter. 
E.IACULATOR,  That  which  effects  the  emission  of  sperm. 
Embryo,  The  fecundated  germ  in  the  early  stages  of  its  development  in 

the  womb. 
Emulsion,  A  pharmaceutical  preparation,  in  which  oil  is  suspended  in 

water  by  means  of  mucilage. 
E.munctory,  Any  organ  whose  office  it  is  to  excrete  or  expel  matters. 
Endemic,  Diseases  which  are  owing  to  some  peculiarity  in  a  situation  or 

locality.     Thus,  ague  is  endemic  in  marshy  countries. 
Entozoa,  Parasitic  animals  that  infest  the  interior  of  the  body,  aa 

worms. 
Ephemeral,  Of  short  duration. 
Epigastrium,  That  portion  of  the  surface  of  the  body  lying  over  the 

stomach. 
Epidemic,  A  disease  that  attacks  a  number  of  persons  at  the  same  time, 

and  referable  to  some  condition  of  the  atmosphere. 
Epispadias,  A  condition  of  the  penis  in  which  the  urethra  opens  at  the 

upper  part  of  the  organ. 
Eructation,  A  .-iouorous  emission  of  Hatus,  by  the  mouth,  from  the 

stomach. 
Exacerbation,  Increase  in  the  symptoms  of  a  disorder  ;  paroxysm. 
Exantuematous,  Relating  to  the  exanlhems,  or  eruptive  diseases. 


THE  COMPLETE  HERBALIST,  483 

ExCRESCEKCE,  A  tumorwhich  forms  at  the  surface  of  organs,  especially 
the  skin,  mucous  membranes,  and  ulcerated  surfaces. 

Exfoliation,  The  separation  of  dead  portions  from  the  various  tissues. 

ExTKAVASATiON,  Escape  of  a  fluid  from  the  vessel  which  contains  it,  as 
blood  from  the  veins. 

Exudation,  The  oozing  of  a  matter  from  the  pores  of  a  membrane ; 
also  the  matter  that  issues  in  such  a  manner. 

Facial,  Relating  to  the  face. 

F.^CAL,  Relating  to  the  fjeces  or  stools. 

Falx,  a  name  given  to  several  membranous  reflections  having  the  shape 
of  a  scythe. 

Farinaceous,  Having  the  appearance  or  nature  of  farina,  or  the  pow- 
der obtained  by  grinding  the  seeds  of  certain  plants. 

Febrifuge,  Having  the  power  of  abating  or  driving  away  fever. 

Febrile,  Relating  to  or  having  the  character  of  fever. 

Fibrin,  An  immediate  animal  principle  entering  into  the  composition  of 
the  chyle  and  the  blood ;  it  is  the  coagulable  material  of  blood. 

Flexor,  Muscles  whose  office  it  is  to  bend  certain  parts. 

Fluctuation,  The  undulation  of  a  fluid  which  is  felt  by  pressure,  pro- 
perly practised. 

Fcetus,  Usually  this  name  is  applied  to  the  product  of  conception  after 
quickening,  or  more  advanced  stage  of  utero-gestation ;  more 
vaguely,  it  is  used  synonymously  with  embryo. 

Follicle,  A  small  secreting  cavity  formed  by  a  depression  of  the  skia 
or  mucous  membrane. 

Fungous,  Relating  to  funga,  or  certain  growths  resembliug  the  mush- 
room, which  have  no  external  ulceration,  as  warts,  etc. 

Ganglion,  A  name  generally  given  to  a  knot-like  enlargement  in  the 
course  of  a  nerve. 

Gangrene,  Privation  of  life  or  partial  death  of  an  organ ;  mortifica- 
tion. 

Gastric,  Relating  to  the  stomach. 

Gelatine,  An  immediate  animal  principle  of  jelly-like  character. 

Genitalia,  The  genital  or  sexual  organs. 

GLjVND,  Organs  which  separate  from  the  blood  any  fluid  whatever ;  a 
secreting  organ  ;  the  reddish  and  spongy,  knot-like  bodies  met  witb 
in  the  course  of  the  lymi^hatics. 

Gluten,  An  immediate  principle  of  vegetables  ;  it  is  soft,  of  a  gi-ayish 
white,  viscid  consistence,  and  very  elastic. 

Granulation,  Granulations  are  the  reddish,  conical,  flesh-Uke  shoots 
which  form  at  the  surface  of  wounds  and  ulcers. 

Graved,  Pregnant. 


484  THE    COMPI.KTE    HERBALTST. 

Gkitmotjs,  Clotted  ;  ^ramous  blood  is  coagulated  or  clotted  blood 

Hallucinatton,  a  morbid  cn-or  in  one  or  more  senses  ;  a  delusion. 

IlELiciNE,  Resembling  in  form  the  tendrils  of  a  vine. 

Hemouriiaoe,  a  flow  of  blood. 

Hepatic,  Relating  to  the  liver. 

Hygienic,  Relating  to  hygiene,  Qr  that  part  of  medicine  whose  object 

is  the  preseiA'ation  of  health. 
II  Yl'EHTHOrilY,  The  state  of  a  part  in  which  nutrition  is  performed  with 

greater  activity.     Unusual  bulk  of  a  part. 
Hypnotic,  A  medicine  having  the  power  to  promote  or  cause  sleep. 
Hypospadias,  A  malformation,  in  which  the  "rethra  opens  at  the  base 

or  beneath  the  penis. 

Idiopathic,  A  primary  disease  ;  one  not  ''ependent  on  any  other. 
Idiosyncuasy,  a  peculiarity  of  constitution,  in  which  one  person  ia 

affected  by  an  agent  which  in  many  others  would  produce  no  effect. 
Indolent,  This,  in  a  medical  sense,  means  painless. 
Induration,  The  hardness  which  occasionally  follows  in  an  injfamed 

part. 
Infusoria.  The  animalcules  originating  in  decomposition  of  matter. 
INGESTA,  Substances  introduced  into  the  body  by  the  mouth  as  food. 
Inspissated,  Rendered  thick,  as  an  extract. 
Integument,  Anything  which  serves  to  cover  or  envelop. 
Interosseous,  Between  the  bones. 

Jactation,  Extreme  anxiety,   excessive  restlessness— a  symptom  ob- 
served  in  serious  diseases. 

Kyestein,  a  peculiar  pellicle  forming  on  the  urine  of  a  pregnant  wo- 
man, when  allowed  to  stand  for  a  few  days. 

Lachrymal,  Belonging  to  the  tears. 

Lesion,  Derangement,  disorder,  any  morbid  change. 

Ligament,  A  fibrous  substance,   serving  to  unite  bones  and  to  form 

joints. 
Ligature,  A  cord  or  thread  with  which  an  artery  or  tumor  is  tied. 
Lu-MIJAU,  Pertaining  to  the  loins. 

liVMPli,  A  name  given  to  the  fluids  contained  in  the  lymphatic  vessels- 
LY.MP1IATICS,  The  vessels  conveying  lymph. 

Maceration,  An   operation   which   consists  in  infusing,  usually  with 

heat,  a  solid  sub.staiice,  so  as  to  extract  its  virtues. 
Mammary,  Relating  to  the  mauimai,  or  female  breasts. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  485 

Mastication,  The  act  of  chewing. 

Materia  Medica,  The  knowledge  of  medicines ;  the  substances  used 
as  medicines. 

Maturation,  The  state  of  an  abscess  which  has  reached  maturity. 

Medulla,  The  base  of  the  brain;    marrow. 

Menses,  The  monthly  flow. 

Menstrual,  Pertaining  to  the  menses. 

BIenstruum,  a  solvent ;  a  substance  possessing  the  property  of  dissolv- 
ing others. 

I\1  etastasis,  Changing  from  one  place  to  another. 

Micturition,  Urination,  discharge  of  urine. 

Mucilaginous,  Having  the  character  of  mucilage;  resembling  gum. 

Mucus,  The  substance  foixnd  at  the  surface  of  mucous  membranes. 

Karcotic,  Substances  which  have  the  property  of  stuj)efying. 
Nasal,  Relating  to  the  nose. 

Nausea,  Inclination  to  vomit     sickness  of  stomach. 
Necrosis,  Death  of  a  bone. 
Nephritic,  Relating  to  the  kidneys. 

Nervine,  A  medicine  which  acts  on  the  nervous  system. 
Neurine,  Relating  to  the  nerves. 

Node,  A  hard  concretion  or  incrustation  gathering  around  the  joints  at- 
tacked with  rheumatism  or  gout. 
NOSOLOGIST,  One  versed  in  nosology,  or  classification  of  diseases. 

Obstetrician,  One  skilled,  or  practising  midwifery. 

OpnTHALMiA,  Relating  or  belonging  to  the  eye. 

Orgasm,  The  height  of  venereal  excitement  in  sexual  intercourse. 

Orthopncea,  Necessity  of  being  in  the  erect   posture   to  be   able    to 

breathe. 
Osseous,  Relating  to  or  having  the  character  of  bones. 

Pabulum,  Food,  aliment. 

Papilla,  An  eminence  resembling  a  nipple. 

Paracentesis,  The  act  of  tapping  to  evacuate  a  fluid  in  a  cavity,  as  in 

dropsy  of  the  abdomen. 
Paroxysm,  A  periodical  exacerbation  or  fit  of  a  disease. 
Parturient,  Bringing  forth  young. 
Parturition,  Delivery,  labor,  child-birth. 
Pathological,  Relating  to  pathology. 
Pathology,  A  branch  of  mediciae  whose  object  is  the  knowledge  of 

disease. 
Pectin,  A  principle  which  forms  the  basis  of  vegetable  jelly. 


486  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

pECTORAJ^,  Relating  to  the  breast;  a  mediciae  that  relieves  or  removes 
affections  of  the  chest. 

P.-:i,LlCLE.  A  thin  skin  or  membrane,  a  film. 

ri:uiSTALTic,  A  motion  consisting  of  alternate  contraction  and  dilata- 
tion. 

Peritoneum,  The  serous  membrane  lining  the  abdominal  cavity. 

TiiAfiEDENic,  Appearing  as  if  it  was  gnawed. 

Pharmaceutic,  Relating  to  pharmacy. 

PilAR.MACOPCEiA.  A  work  containing  the  formulae  for  the  preparation, 
etc.,  of  medicines. 

PriAR.M.\CY,  The  art  which  teaches  the  knowledge,  choice,  preservation, 
preparation,  and  combination  of  medicines. 

Pii/.EGMOXOi's,  Relating  to  iutlammation  which  is  confined  to  the  areo- 
lar texture. 

PnLVZACious,  Relating  to  tumors  formed  by  the  accumulation  of  a 
serous  Uuid  under  the  scarf-skin. 

PUYSIOLOGY,  The  science  which  teaches  the  functions  of  org^Jis  or 
tissues.  ^ 

Pletiioha,  a  superabundance  of  blood.  * 

PXEU.MOG.VSTUIC,  Belonging  to  the  lungs  and  stomach. 

Portal  Circulation,  The  circulation  of  blood  in  the  system  of  vessels 
in  the  kidneys  and  liver. 

Ptvalis.m,  Profuse  salivation. 

Puerperal.  Relating  to  child-birth  and  its  consequences. 

PULMON.\RY,  Relating  or  belonging  to  the  lungs. 

Purulent,  Having  the  character  of  pus. 

Pus,  The  secretion  from  inflamed  textures. 

Pustule,  An  elevation  of  the  skin,  ha^nng  an  inflamed  base. 

Pyogknic,  Having  a  relation  to  the  formation  of  pus. 

Regimen,  Diet;  the  rational  and  methodical  use  of  food. 

Renal.  Relating  to  the  kidneys. 

Respiration,  The  function  of  breathing,  by  which  is  accomplished  the 

mixture  of  venous  blood  with  lymph  and  chyle. 
Revi:li.i;nt,   Derivative;  a  remedy  causing  an  abstraction  from  the 

morbid  condition  of  some  organ  or  tissue. 
Revulsion.  The  act  of  turning  a  disease  from  a  part  in  which  it  seems 

to  have  taken  its  seat. 

*>.\c,  A  bag-like  cavity,  formed  by  any  serous  membrane. 
Saccul.\ted,  Enclosed  in  a  sac  ;  having  the  character  of  a  sac. 
Salivary,  Relating  to  the  saliva;  glands  whose  function  it  is  to  secrete 

H.'iliva. 
Saj<GUIKEous,  Plethoric ;   relating  to  the  blood. 


THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST.  487 

Scorbutic,  Relating  to,  or  having  the  character  of  scurvy. 

SCYBALA,  Hard  faacal  matter,  discharged  in  round  lumps. 

Sebaceous,  Small  hollow  organs  seated  in  the  substance  of  the  skin, 
and  which  secrete  a  matter  having  a  peculiar  odor. 

Secretion,  An  organic  function,  chiefly  confined  to  the  glands;  also 
the  matter  secreted. 

Septum,  Partition;  a  part  separating  two  cavities. 

Serum,  The  most  watery  portion  of  the  animal  fluids,  exhaled  by  serous 
membranes. 

Sinapism,  A  mustard  plaster. 

Sinus,  Any  cavity,  the  interior  of  which  is  more  expanded  than  the  en- 
trance. 

Sordes,  The  black  substance  collecting  on  the  teeth  in  low  fevers. 

Spasmodic,  Having  the  character  of  a  spasm. 

Splenetic,  Relating  or  belonging  to  the  spleen. 

Sputa,  Expectorated  matter. 

Squamous,  Scaly  ;  having  the  character  of  scales. 

Stercoraceous,  Faecal. 

Stertorous,  Of  a  snoring  character. 

Strangury,  Extreme  difficulty  in  evacuating  the  urine. 

Strumous,  Scrofulous. 

Styptic,  Astringent ;  a  medicine  which  stanches  the  flow  of  blocd. 

Subluxation,  A  sprain;  a  partial  dislocation. 

Sudorific,  A  medicine  which  provokes  sweating. 

Suppuration,  Formation  or  secretion  of  pus. 

Syncope  ;   Fainting ;  loss  of  sensation  and  motion. 

Synovial,  Relating  to  the  membranes  lining  the  joints. 

Taxis,  A  pressure  exerted  by  the  hand  on  a  hernial  tumor  for  the  pur- 
pose of  reducing  it. 
Tissue,  The  various  parts  which,  by  union,  form  the  organs. 
Thoracic,  Relating  or  belonging  to  the  chest. 
Topical,  Local ;  remedies  locally  applied. 
Toxical,  Poisonous. 
Tubercle,  A  tumor  in  the  substance  of  an  organ,  as  of  the  lung. 

Urine,  The  secretion  of  the  kidney. 

Urinary,  Relating  to  the  urine. 

Utp^rus,  The  womb. 

Uterine,  Relating  or  belonging  to  the  womb. 

Vaccine,  Relating  to  the  matter  used  for  vaccination. 
Vascular,  Relating  to  vessels  ;  arterial,  venous  or  lymphatic 
Venereal,  Relating  to  the  pleasures  of  love. 


4S8  THE    COMPLETE    HERBALIST. 

VertebR/E,  Bones  of  the  spinal  column. 

Vesicle,  A  small  bladder  or  cyst. 

ViROSE,  Possessed  of  noxious  properties. 

Virus,  Literally,  a  poison  ;  an  unknown  principle,  inappreciable  by  the 
senses,  which  is  the  agent  for  the  transmission  of  infectious  dis- 
eases. 

VISCER.\L.  Relating  or  belonging  to  the  viscera,  or  entraUs. 

Vulner.vry,  Medicines  considered  capable  of  favoring  the  consolidating 
of  wounds  ;  only  a  property  of  plants. 

Zymotic,  Relating  or  appertaining  to  fermentation. 


THE  ELASTICTRUSS  AND  SUPPORTER 

THE    HIGHEST    AWARD. 
A  Medal  and  Diploma  has  been  given  bj'  the  Cen- 
ELASTIC  ^8  tennial  Exposition  to  our  .^ 

^Russ^^^       ELASTIC    TRUSSa 

Thus  conflrming  the  verdicts  which  have  htwjto- 
fore  been  given  by  the  Aiiwricdn  Listitaie,  the  Bruok- 
lyn  Industrial  Institute  and  the  Cincinnati  Industrial 
Expoftition,  all  the  above  institutes  having  given 
Price  $8.  the  hinhest  aimrds,  Silver  IMedals  and  Diplomas, 

for  suppriority  over  all  for  the  Elastic  Truss  and  Supporter,  because 
of  its  fxeelleufe  and  cheapness.  There  is  no  superior  truss,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  our  Champion  Truss  (pace  342,  which  cannot  be  excelled),  but 
in  very  many  cases  the  Elastic  Truss  is  just  as  good  and  better  at  less 
tlian  half  the  price.  The  success  and  universal  satisfaction  they  have 
given,  as  well  as  the  great  number  of  radical  cHns  they  have  effected,  lias 
d'lnonslnttid  the  fact  tliat  nip/urc  can  be  sHnUj  cured  without  suffering  and 
ainioyancc,  and  irit/nmt  mnj  dmi/i  r  of  incurring  spinal  disease  or  paralysis, 
often  caused  by  the  severe  pressure  of  metal  trusses  and  supporters.  It 
holds  the  rupture  seeurely  in  all  positions  in  which  the  body  may  be 
placed,  and  may  be  adjusted  to  lit  any  figure  by  loosening  or  tightening 
the  buckles.  1  hese  apiiliances  are  manufactured  for  us  by  the  Elastic 
Trass  Company,  who  guarantee  each  truss  made  to  be  perfect  in  every 
respect. 

Price  of  the  Double  Truss  is $8.00 

Price  of  the  Single  Truss  is 5.00 

Infants'  and  Children's  Ti-usses 0.00 

Children's  Trusses  are  always  made  with  double  attachments,  hence  no 
distinction  in  i)rice  is  made  between  single  and  double.  This  price  to  some 
may  si-cni  large,  but  when  we  consider  that  one  of  these  Trusses,  if 
pn»|KTly  worn,  is  sure  to  cure  the  worst  cases  of  Hernia  in  a  child  (without 
torture),  it  is  the  cheapest  investment  that  can  be  niaile. 

For  Children  in  all  cases  a  rainph'te  cure  will  be  guaranteed,  without ;jrt/n 
or  annoyance,  as  it  can  he  worn  with  as  much  c<i.se  and  efficacy  by  an  infant 
of  a  week's  age  as  hy  an  adult ;  an  attrihute  that  ito  other  Trass  yet  inrented 
pDssi'ssi's.  Send  us  the  size  of  the  jiatient  around  the  entire  boily  ou  a  line 
witli  the  rupture  ;  state  whether  riciit  or  left  side,  or  if  both  sides  ;  give  us 
the  distance  between  the  centre  of  the  two  openings  after  the  intestines 
are  ri'turiie<l  to  tlu;  iihilonien,  and  which  sideis  the  worse,  if  any  difference, 
and  uU  j>articulars,  if  any. 


INDEX. 


PAGE 

Abdominal  fnpportt-rs    370 

Abies  excel.sa 128 

"     larix na 

Abortion 368 

Abscess 336 

Absinthine 165 

Absorbents 27 

Abuta  root 132 

Acacian  Balsam   470 

Acacia  catechu 61 

"      vera 32 

Acarus  saochari 319 

"       scabei 318 

Aceta 29 

Achillea  millefolium 160 

"        ptarmica 166 

Achilleine 166 

Achorion  SchOnleinii 324 

Acipenser  Ruthenus 445 

Acne 32^^ 

Aconitine 123 

Aconitum  napelliis 123 

Adder's  tongue 33 

"        violet 127 

Adiantum  pedatum 118 

Advice  to  the  childless 4;i3 

^thera 20 

Agave  Americana 04 

"     Virginica 64 

Agrimonia  Eupatoria 33 

Agrimony 3S 

Ague  cake 217 

"    root 155 

Air  and  sunshine 190 

Albinism     324 

Alder 34 

"     common 36 

"     smooth   36 

"     tag 36 

Ale  hoof 34 

Aletris  farinosa 155 

Alisina  plantago 118 

Alkekeugi 16 

AU-heal 35 


PAGE 

Almonds,  bitter 35 

"         milk  of 36 

"         sweet 35 

AInuin 36 

Alnns  nibra 36 

Aloe  socatrina 39 

"     gpicata 38 

"     vulgaris 39 

Aloes 38 

"     false 64 

Alopecia 325 

Alteratives 27 

Alum  root 77 

Amaranth 37 

Amaranthus  hypochondriasis 37 

Amara  dulcis 43 

Amaurosis 344 

Amblyopia 34-1 

Amenorrhoea 359 

American  foxglove 117 

"         gentian 94 

"         hellebore 100 

ivy 107 

"         senna GO 

"         valerian Ill 

Ampelopsis  quinquefolia 107 

Amygdala  amara 35 

"         dulcis 35 

Amygdalus  communis 35 

Anal  fistula 256 

Anatomy  of  the  organs  of  digestion 230 

"            "     female  organs 397 

"            "     heart 276 

"            "      liver 240 

"            "      male  organs 394 

"            "     nervous  system 299 

"           of  a  plant 23 

"       of  the  spleen 245 

"            "     respiratory  organs 259 

"            "      urinary  organs 294 

Anemone  37 

"       cylindrica 37 

"       meadow 37 

"       nemorosa 37 


490 


INDEX. 


PAOE 

Anemonine 37 

Aneurism 284 

Angcioleucitis 257 

Angelica 38 

"       archangelica 38 

"       atropurpurea 38 

Angina  pectoris 2tiO 

Animal  poisons 'ioS 

Anise 38 

'•    star 38 

Aniseed 38 

Anodynes 27 

Antacids 27 

Antennaria  margaritaceum 131 

Anthelmintics 28 

Anthemis  nobilis fi-l 

Anthrax 33!) 

Antiscorbutics 28 

Antispasmodics 28 

Apiol  133 

Apocynum  androsajmifolium 47 

Apnoea 270 

Apoplexy 301 

Apothecaries'  measuBe 30 

weight 30 

Apple-peru 108 

Aphthae 2.;.3 

Aquffi 2i» 

Aralia  spinosa 130 

Archangel     38 

Arctostaphylos  uva-ursi 43 

Aromatics 28 

Arrow-root  gruel 202 

"         jelly 201 

Artemisia  absinthum 1H4 

"        santonica 1G5 

Arteritis 284 

Anim  trj-phillum 8:3 

Asarabacca 31) 

Asarum  Europicum 39 

Ascaris  lumbricoides 250 

"       vcrmicularis 250 

ABcites 202 

Asclopiad.i;    , 4 

Asclcpias  tuborosa 14,  13f> 

Asclcpiii 137 

Aiilatic  cholera 254 

ABpcn 150 

Aojiidium  flllx  mas 88 

Aiphyxia 270 

by  ©.Id 270 

"        inhalation  of  gases 271 

"        by  Mibmersion 271 

Ajthma 208 


PAGE 

Asthma,  h.iy • 200 

Astringents 28 

A.'itrTa  Virginica Hi 

Atriplei  hoi-ten.sis 21 

Atropa  belladonna 45 

"       mandragora 120 

Atrophy  of  the  heart 282 

Aurelius,  Emperor 5 

Autophomania 304 

Avens,  punilf' f'*^ 

"       water 6C 

"       white 60 

Averroes t> 

Aya-pana 39 

Ay.a-pana  eupatorium 39 

Baker's  itch 322 

Baldness 325 

Balm '. 41 

"    ofGilead .s 158 

"    Woodland ■.'^. .  473 


Balmony. 


41 


^-     ■*' 

Balsam,  Acacian S.  -470 

"        poplar 158 

Balsamito 135 

Balsamodendron  myrrha 125 

Bamboo  brier 149 

Baptisia  tinctoria 141 

Baptisin 142 

Barber's  itch 325 

Barberry 42 

Bark,  Jesuit's 67 

"      Peruvian 67 

Barley  water 201 

Barosma  crenata  5fi 

Barrenness 433 

Bathing 186 

Bayberry 42 

Bead  tree 45 

Bearberry 43 

Bear's  bed 44 

Beaver  tree 119 

Bed-straw 09 

Hecch-drops 69 

Boof  liquid 203 

"     tea 203 

Beggar's  lice 104 

Beggar-tick 158 

Belladonna 45 

Berberina 42 

Berberis  vulgaris 42 

Beth  root 46 

Bhang 60 

Bidens  biplnnata 158 


491 


PAGE 

Bidens  cotinata 157 

"      frondosa 158 

Bilious  colic 3('9 

Bilious  fever 217 

Bird's  nest 47 

Birony   16 

Birth-wort 10 

Bitter-ash 140 

"     candy-tuft lUG 

"     cucumber 71 

"     root 47 

'■■     -sweet 48 

"     wood 140 

Blackberry 143 

Black  cherry 45 

"     cohosh 51 

"     hellebore 101 

"     oak 129 

"     root 53 

"     snake-root 51,  14S 

Bladder  fucus 124 

Blazing  Star 52 

Bleeding  from  the  nose 2SS 

"  "        lungs 289 

"  "        stomach 280 

"  "       kidneys 200 

Blood  Purifier 471 

"     root 54 

Blooming  spurge 112 

Blue  cohosh 132 

"    disease 2&3 

"    flag . .     49 

"    gentian 94 

"    scull-cap 150 

"    vervain 40 

Blunt-leaved  dock 82 

Boa= 338 

Boneset 52 

Botany,  Epitome  of 2^3 

Bothriocephalus  latus 251 

Bouncing  Bet 152 

Bowman's  root 112 

Box 55 

Boxwood 8a 

Boyle 7 

Brain  Fever 301 

Brakeroot 87 

Brassica  rupa 15 

Brayera  anthelmintica 110 

Bread  jelly 202 

Bridal  tours 440 

Bright's  disease  of  the  kidneys. 291 

Broken  back 378 

"      neck 378 


PAGB 

Bronchitis 2(56 

Bronchocele 340 

Brncia 129 

Bnchu 56 

Buckhorn  brake 87 

Bull's  foot 72 

Bunions 323 

Burgundy  pitch 128 

Burning  bush 57 

Burns  and  scalds 339 

Buttercup . .   79 

"    nut 103 

"    weed 57 

Butterfly  weed 13(5 

Buttermilk  pap 203 

Button  bush 96 

"      snake-root 52,  86 

Butua  root 132 

Buxina 55 

Buxus  sempervtreus 55 

Cahinca 58 

Cahincic  acid 58 

Calico  bush 58 

Calves'  foot  jelly 204 

Camp  fever 220 

Canada  flea-bane 57 

Cancer 345 

'•     of  the  stomach 236 

"     root 59 

Canker  lettuce 146 

Cannabis  Indica 59 

"         sativa 60 

Capacities  required  by  nui^es 213 

Carbuncle 339 

Carcinoma 345 

Carolina  pink 135 

Carminatives 28 

Carpenter's  square 89 

Carthamus  tinctorius 146 

Cassia  Marilandica 60 

Catalepsy 314 

Cataplasms 29 

Catarrhal  ophthalmia 343 

Catiirrh 262 

"        of  the  bladder 208 

Catch  weed 69 

Catechu 61 

"        pale 92 

Cathartics 28 

Cat's  foot 34 

Caulophyllin 132 

Caulophyllum  thalictj-oides 132 

Ceanothine 14? 


492 


INDEX. 


PAGE 

Ci'anothuR  Ampricantis     14-'! 

Oedron 61 

Celamline 03 

Centaur}' 63 

Century  plant 0-1 

Cophnlnlpia. 300 

Cephalanthus  occidcntalis 96 

Ccnitef^ 29 

CerebritiR. 301 

Cervicitis 301 

Cessation  of  the  menses 301 

Cetraria  officinalis 106 

Cetrarin 100 

Chamomile 64 

Chamjiion  tniss 341 

Chansre  of  life 301 

Checkerberry 133 

v7heli(lonium  majns 62 

Chelone  glabra 41 

Chelonin 42 

Chenopodium  anthelminticum 104 

Cherry  laurel 05 

Chickweed 60 

Chicken  broth 204 

'■         pox 225 

Chilblains 339 

Chimaphila  umbellata loO 

Chiococca  racemosa 58 

Chionanthus  Virginieum ICO 

Chlorosis 300 

Chocolate  root fifi 

Choice  dielytra 100 

Cholera  Asiatic 254 

"        infantum 253 

"       morbus 254 

Chorea 31.j 

Chumis CO 

Cimicifuvra  racemosa 51 

Cimicifusrin 51 

Cinchona. , ,     (-,7 

"        calisaya 07 

"        condaminea 07 

"        lancifolia 07 

"        Bucciniba 07 

Cinque  foil Cg 

CirrhoRis o.j-i 

Cis-yimpoHn ]:jo 

Cisaampclop  parcira irjo 

'"InP 348 

Cleavers CO 

"        ■mnll CO 

Clcnry man's  sore  throat 234 

Cliforitis 35C 

Clothing 151 


PAOn 

Coakum 137 

Coca 70 

Cocculus  palmatus 72 

Cockle  burr 33 

Codeia 131 

Ca'lclmintha , 327 

Coffee  milk 203 

Colchicia 123 

Colchicum  autumnale 123 

Cold  in  the  head 261 

Colendrina 21 

Colic  root 155,  105 

"    bilious 309 

Colitis 247 

Collinsonia  Canadensis 156 

Collinsonin I56 

Colocynth 71 

Colocynthin 72 

Colt's  foot .^. 73 

"     tail .>..     57 

Columbin .\.    73 

Columbo i .     72 

Comfrey 73 

Common  milk-porridge 203 

"        polypody 87 

Comparison  of  doses 31 

Compass  weed 21,  141 

Condor  vine 74 

Conduct  of  a  labor  case 371 

Confections 29 

Congestion  of  the  brain 303 

Congestive  fever 218 

Conjunctivitis 342 

Constipation 249 

Consumption 272 

Convallaria  multiflora 153 

"  racemosa 153 

Convolvulus  panduratus 123 

Coohveed 137 

Copaiba 75 

Copaifora  officinalis 75 

Coptis  trifolia 97 

Coral  root 78 

Corallorhiza  odontorrhiza 78 

Corns 32:3 

Cornino S3 

Cornus  Florida 82 

Corsican  moss 124 

Corydalia IGO 

Corydalis  formosa 100 

Coryza 20I 

Cotton 95 

Cough  wort 72 

Crampbark If, 


INDEX. 


493 


PAGE 

Cranberry,  high - 76 

"  low  77 

"  upland 43 

water 204 

CranesbiU 77 

Crawley 78 

Cretinism 3 10 

Critical  period S:  '.1 

Crow  corn 1  "5 

Crow-foot 77,  7'.t 

Crowing  disease SIO 

Croup 2(;7 

"     membranous 2G7 

Crural  phlebitis 280 

Crust  coffee 204 

Crusted  tetter 320 

Cubebin 80 

Cubebs 79 

Cucumis  colocynthis 71 

Culver's  physic 53 

Cundurango 74 

Curvature  of  the  spine 334 

Cutch CI 

Cyanosis 283 

Cynoglossum  officinale 103 

"  Morrison! 104 

Cyprepedium  pubescens Ill 

Cystitis. 298 

Daisy 80 

Dandelion 80 

Datura  stramonium 108 

"      tatula 108 

Datnria 109 

Deadly  nightshade 45 

Decoction  of  bran 202 

Decoctions 29 

Deerberry 133 

Delirium  tremens 305 

Delphinum  consolida 113 

"         Etaphisagria 113 

Dementia 304 

Demulcents 28 

Dengue 229 

Devil's  bit 52,  81 

Dewberry. 143 

Diabetes  insipidus 296 

meUitus. 297 

Diaphoretics 28 

Diarrhoea 248 

"        bUious 248 

"        chronic 248 

"        mucous 248 

"        serous 248 


PAGE 

Dilatation  of  the  heart 283 

DioncBa  muscipula 19 

Dioscorea  villot-a 165 

Dioscorein 165 

Diphtheria ■-  .  223 

Diseases 214 

"•       of  the  absorbent  system 857 

"  "        blood 287 

"  "        blood-vessels 284 

"  "        bowels 247 

"  "  '    digestive  organs 2;i3 

"  "       e}'e  and  ear 342 

"  "      female  sexual  system 355 

"          "       heart  and  circulatory  sys- 
tem   279 

"  "       liver 241 

"■        "       male  Sexual  system 350 

"  "      nervous  system 301 

"  "       pancreas 246 

"  "      respiratory  system 261 

"  "       spleen 245 

"  "       skin 317 

"  "      urinary  organs 296 

Dislocations 373 

Dislocation  at  the  neck  or  back 378 

of  the  jaw 379 

at  the  shoulder 379 

"        wrist 380 

of  the  bones  of  the  hand . .  .  380 

"       ribs 380 

"       knee-cap 381 

at  the  ankle 381 

"        elbow 379 

"       hip 381 

Diuresis 296 

Diuretics 28 

Divorce 446 

Dock 81 

' '    blunHeaved 82 

"    great  water 82 

"    water 82 

"    yellow 83 

Dogmatics,  The 5 

Dog's  bane 47 

Dog-tooth  violet 'i3 

Dogwood 82 

Dove's  foot 77 

Dragees 29 

Dragon  root 8;3 

Dragon's  claw 78 

Drink  in  dysentery 204 

Drooping  star-wort 81 

Dropsies 290 

Dropsy  of  the  abdomen 292 


494 


INDEX. 


PAGE 

Dropsy  of  the  heart 293 

"          "       ovaries !ji'3 

"       pleura 293 

"         "       scrotum 294 

Drowning 271 

Dry  tetter 321 

Duodenitis 247 

Dwale 45 

Dwarf  nettle 127 

Dyer's  oak 130 

Dysentery 247 

"         weed 104 

DyBmenorrhoea 359 

Dyspepsia. 208 

Earache 345 

Ecthyma 320 

Eczema 317 

Egyptian  thorn 32 

Elastic  stockings,  knee-caps,  and  anklets  286 

Elaterium 154 

Elder 84 

Elecampane 85 

Elephantiasis 322 

El  houwah 254 

Emetics 28 

Emnn'nagogues 28 

Emollients 28 

Emp)irica,  The 5 

Emprosthotonos 315 

Endo-carditis 281 

Endo-cervicitis 3(11 

Enemas 29 

Enteritis 247 

Entozoa 326 

Enuresis 298 

Ephclis  hepatica 324 

"      lenticularis 324 

"       vidlacca 324 

Epidemic  diseases,  prevention  of 082 

Epilepsy 310 

Episimstics 28 

EpisUxis 288 

Efpiatoria  Uiirciana 74 

Erasistratus    5 

Riectbites  hieractifolius 90 

Ergot 85 

Ergotism 85 

Erigcron  Canadense 57 

Erotomania ...  304 

Errhines 28 

Eniptive  or  exanthcmatous  diseases 222 

Eryngium  aquaticum 86 

Kryngo 66 


PA6B 

Erysipelas 227 

Erythema 223 

Erji;hronium  Americanum 33 

Erythroxylon  coca 70 

Escharotics 28 

Esculapius  4 

Essays  on  hygiene 171 

Ethers 29 

Eunenim  vaudi 254 

Euonjmin 57 

Euonymus  Americanus 57 

"          atropurpureus 57 

Eupatorium  perf oliatum 52 

"           purpureum 140 

Euphorbia  corollata 112 

Euphrasia  officinalis 86 

Exercise 186 

Expectorants 28 

Extracts '.: 29 

"      fluid ,^....^29,  475 

Eye-bright , . .  86 

Falling  of  the  womb 363 

Falling-sickness 311 

False  aloe 64 

"     grape 107 

"     vinicorn-root 81 

"     valerian 114 

"     wintcrgreen 146 

Fatty  kidney 291 

Felon    337 

Felon-wort 48 

Female  regulator 114 

Ferns 87 

Fern,  oinnamon-colorcd 87 

"     female 87 

"     male 88 

"     royal  flowering 87 

Fever  and  ague 216 

"     bilious 217 

"     congestive 218 

"     dandy 229 

*'     hectic 333 

"     intermittent 316 

"     lung 267 

"     pernicious 218 

"     puerperal 367 

"     remittent 217 

"     scarlet 226 

"     typhoid 222 

"     typhus 220 

"     yellow 219 

Feverfew 89 

Fever-weed 117 


INDEX, 


495 


PAGE 

Ficoides  noctiflora 22 

Fig  wort 89 

Pilices 87 

Fireweed 90 

Fistula 256 

Fit  plant 47 

311 


Fits 

Five  finger 

Five-flowered  gentian 

Five  leaves 

Flornl  clock 

Flowering  cornel 

Fluid  extracts 

Fly-trap,  Venus's 

Foal's  foot 

Food  and  drinks 

Foreign  bodies  in  the  eyes 

"       substances  in  the  ears 

Fractures 

Fracture  of  the  bones  of  the  head . 

Fracture  of  bones  of  forearm 

"  "  hand  


.29, 


"  "  knee-cap  or  patella 

"  "  coUar-bone 

*'  "  bones  of  foot  and 
ankle 

"   in  the  hip-joint 

"    of  the  humei^s 

"        "      leg 

"        "      ribs 

"        "      thigh  bone 

Frankincense 

French  milk  porridge 

Fringe  tree 

Frost  plant 

"     weed 

Fucus  helminthocorton 

"    vesiculosis, 

Fumaria  officinalis 

i'umitory 

Furunculus 


68 

94 

107 

21 

82 

475 

19 

72 

171 

344 

345 

375 

376 

377 

377 

378 

376 

377 

377 

376 

378 

376 

377 

128 

2U3 

1.30 

90 

90 

124 

124 

91 

91 

338 


Galen 5 

Galium  aparine 69 

"     tinctorium 69 

Galls 130 

Gall  stones 243 

Gambir 61 

"      plant 92 

Garden  nightshade 128 

"      sago - .  147 

Garget 1 37 

Gastralgia 2.37 

Gastritis 2.36 


PAGE 

Gastrodynia 237 

Gay  feather .' 52 

Gelsemin 93 

Gelseminum  sempervirens 93 

General  diseases 3.30 

Gentian 93 

"      catesbei 94 

Gentiana,  five  flowered 94 

"  lutea 93 

"  oohroleuca 94 

"  quinquefolia 94 

Geranin 77 

Geranium  maculatum 77 

Gcrardia  pedicularia 117 

Geuni  rivale 166 

"      VLrginianum 166 

Gillenia 95 

"      trifoliata 95 

Gill-go-by-the-ground 34 

Ginseng 13 

Glanders 22.S 

Gleet 349 

Globe  flower 96 

Glossai7 480 

Glossitis 2.33 

GnaphaUum  polycephalum 130 

Goitre 340 

Gold  thread 97 

Golden  seal 96 

"      senecio , 114 

Goodyera  pubesoens 127 

"        repens 127 

Gonorrhcea 348 

Goose  grass 69 

Gossypiin 96 

Gossypium  hcrbaceum 95 

Gout 330 

Gravel 297 

"      root 140 

Great  stinging  nettle 126 

"     water  dock 82 

"     wild  valerian 161 

Green  ozier 82 

"     sickness 360 

Grocer's  itch 322 

Ground  holly 136 

"       ivy 34 

"       lily 46 

"       moss 44 

"        raspberry 96 

"        squirrel  pea 144 

Guaiac...    93 

Guaiacum  officinale 98 

Gum  Arabic 32 


496 


INDEX. 


PAGE 

Gum  myrrh 125 

Gunjah ('0 

IhEmatemesis 289 

>I;ematiiria 2'.tO 

}Iirmoptysis 289 

}Iair-cap  moss 41 

]lamamelis  Virgiiiica 99 

]Iard  hack 15tJ 

Harvey 7 

Hashish CO 

)  lazlewort 89 

1  loadache 306 

Heal  all   89,150 

J I  fartlmm 2.'W 

Heart  liver-loaf 110 

Hectic  fever 33.3 

Hedcoma  pulegioidcs 134 

Helianthenium  canailense 90 

"  coiymbosum 91 

Helleborus  nigor 101 

Eelonias  biiUata 81 

"         diocia 81 

Hemiplegia 316 

Hemorrhages 2SS 

Heniorrhoida 256 

Henbane 101 

Hcpatica  acutaloba 110 

"        Americana 110 

Hepatitis 241 

"        chronic 241 

Herbal  Ointment 472 

Hercules  woundwort. 35 

Hernia 340 

"      humoralis 354 

Herophilus 5 

Herpes 318 

Hiccough S09 

Hidden  Bpermatorrhcea 350 

High  cranberry 76 

"    mallow 119 

Hip  disease 332 

llipiiocrntcs 4 

lli.-.liiry  of  medicine 3 

1  f  >arhound 102 

1 1' ibnailed  liver 242 

]  lofHlwort 150 

)lo|  hornbeam ..  114 

Jl"l'»  ••■ 104 

Hordeolum . .  344 

Uorsc-fly  weed ]  U 

Drrse-hoof 72 

"      >*-ed 57,  156 

J^.oBT-ltal  favor 220 


PAGH 

Hound's  t<.ingii<< 103 

House  leek 105 

How  to  assist  the  doctor 207 

Humid  tetter 317 

Humulus  Uipulus 104 

Hydatids 326,  363 

Hydrarthrus 332 

Hydrastis  canadensis 96 

Hydrocardium 293 

Hydrocele 294 

Hydrometra 363 

Hydropliobia 316 

Hydrothorax 293 

Hygeia 4 

Hyoscyamia 102 

Hyoscyamus  niger 101 

Hypericum  perforatum 148 

Hypertrophy  of  the  heart 283 

Hj-pochondria 307 

Hysterics .^..  313 

Hyssop , . .  105 

Hyssopus  officinalis .i  .  105 

Iberis  amara 106 

Iceland  moss 106 

Ice  pl.ant 47 

"    vine 132 

Icterus 244 

Ignatius  amara 147 

IlUciam  anisatum 38 

Imperfections  of  l;he  human  form 333 

Imperforate  hymen 357 

Impetigo 320 

Impotence  of  the  male 439 

Incontinence  of  urine 298 

Indianbalm 46 

"      cup  plant 141 

"     hemp 59 

"     physic 95 

"     pipe 47 

"     poke 100 

"     posy 130 

"      tobacco 116 

"     turnip 83 

Inflammation 915 

"           of  the  arleries 284 

"                "       bladder 29S 

"               "      brain 301 

"               "      brc-.st£, 369 

"               "       bronchia 266 

"                "       clitoris .356 

"                "       conjunctiva 342 

"                "       heart, 2S1 

"               "      kidneys 296 


INDEX. 


497 


PAGE 

ihflazmnation  of  the  larnyx 2<)5 

"  "       Uver 241 

"  "      mouth 2:33 

"  "       ossophagiis 2;35 

"  "       pancreas 2-46 

''  "       pharjnx 234 

"  "       pleura  2(39 

"  "      prostate  gland 354 

"  "       spleen 245 

"  "      Btomach 236 

"  "      testes 354 

"  "      tongue 233 

"  "       tonsils 234 

"  "      vagina £57 

•'  "       veins  285 

"  "      vulva 356 

Influenza 262 

Infusions 29 

Insanity 303 

Inula  helenium 85 

Inversion  of  the  uterus 368 

Iponioea  jalapa 107 

Irish  moss  jelly 201 

Irisin 49 

Iris  versicolor 49 

Iron  weed 106 

Iron  Wood Ill 

Ischuria 298 

Isinglass  jelly 201 

Isis,  Queen 4 

Itch 318 

"    baker's - 322 

"    barber's 325 

"    grocer's 322 

"    weed 100 

Ivy 107 

Jack-in-the-pulpit 83 

Jacob's  ulcer , 322 

Jail  fever 220 

Jalap    107 

Jamestown  weed 108 

Jaundice 244 

Jeflfersonia  diphylla 144 

Jerusalem  oak 164 

Jesuit's  bark 67 

Joe-pie 140 

Juglandin 163 

Juglans  cinerea 162 

"        nigra 163 

Juniper 109 

Juniperus  communis 109 


Kalmia  iBtiEolia 58 

2a 


PASS 

Kalumb 73 

Kidney  Uver  leaf 110 

King's  evil 257 

Kino 109 

Kleptomania 304 

Kousso 110 

Kotissin Ill 

KJrameria  triandra 143 

Ladies'  slipper Ill 

Lamb-kiU 58 

Larch 112 

Large  flowering  spurge 112 

Larkspur 113 

Laurus  sassafras 150 

Lavandula  spica 114 

"           vera 114 

Lavender 114 

Laryngitis 265 

Leontodon  taraxacum 80 

Leonurus  cardiaca 124 

Lepra  alphoides 321 

"     nigricans 321 

"     syphilitica 321 

Leprosy. 321 

Leptandria  virginica 53 

Leptandrin 54 

Leucanthemum  vulgare 80 

Leuce 321 

Leucopathia 324 

LeucorrhcEa 361 

Lever  wood 114 

Liatris  scariosa 62 

"     spicata 63 

"     squarrosa 52 

Life,  health  and  disease 197 

Life-root 114 

Lignum  vitae 98 

Ligustrin 139 

Ligustrum  vulgare 139 

Lilium  candidum 115 

Lily,  meadow 115 

Linacre 6 

Liniments 29 

Linnseus 21 

Lion's  foot 115 

Liquidambar  styraciflua 153 

Lithiasis 297 

Liver  Invigorator 474 

Lobelia Hfi 

Lochia 374 

Locked-jaw 316 

Lotions 29 

Louse  wort in 


498 


INDEX. 


PAGE 
I,nn"  cranberry ■ '" 

"     mallow l"0 

Lozcnpes '^" 

Lung;  fever -'j''^ 

■'     wort 16,  117 

Lupulin l""* 

Lupulite 104 

LupiniiB "^ 

Lupus '-'~~ 

Lymphadenitis 257 

Lymi)hangeitis 


Lypemania  . 


257 

304 


JIachnon 4 

Miicrotyn 51 

JIaculffi,  or  epots. .  • 324 

Madder US 

Mad  dog-weed US,  150 

Magnolia     H^ 

"       glauca 119 

Mahomet 6 

Maiden  hair 118 

Male  fern 88 

"        vermifuge 471 

Malignant  and  venereal  diseases 345 

Mallow,  common Hi' 

Malt  infusion 200 

Mulva  rotiuidifolia 120 

"     sylvestris 119 

Mandrake 120 

Mania 304 

"    a  potu 305 

Man-in-the-earth 122 

"     "    ground 122 

Manna 14 

Married  life 41fi 

Marriage 404 

"        customs 410 

Marrubium  vulgare 102 

Marsh  gentian 94 

Mastcrwort 38 

Materia  medica.  Herbal 32 

Maticinc 122 

M  tttiio 122 

Matricaria  chamomiUa (15 

May  apple 120 

Meadow  cabbage 152 

lily 115 

"       Baffron 123 

Measles 225 

Mcchamcck 123 

Medicinal  properties  and  preparations.       27 

Melancholia    304 

Melia  nzcdarach 45 


PAGE 

Melissa  officinalis 41 

Menispermin 167 

Menispermum  canadense 107 

Menophauia 358 

Menorrhagia 300 

Menstruation 357 

"  cessation  of 361 

"  painful 350 

"  profuse 300 

"  suppressed 359 

"  vicarious 300 

Mentha  pulegioides 134 

Miasmatic  fevers 215 

Milfoil 160 

Milk  leg 286 

"    weed 47,112 

Mimosa  scnsitiva 20 

Mint,  wild  wfiter '.^ 16 

Mitchella  repens > ...  133 

Mixtures .,. .     29 

Moccasin  flower v  •  HI 

Momordica  elaterium ^. .  154 

Monkshood 123 

Mono.ijamy 409 

Monomania 304 

Monotropa  uniflora 47 

Moonseed 167 

Moral  mania 304 

Jlorbus  coxarlus 332 

Morphia 131 

Mortal 48 

Moss,  Corsican 124 

Mother  of  thyme 160 

Mother's  marks 324 

Motherwort 16,  124 

Mountain  laurel 58 

Mouth  root 97 

Mullein 125 

Mumps 235 

Myocarditis  281 

Myrica  cerifera , 42 

Myricin 43 

Myrospermum  pernifenim 135 

"  toluiferum 160 

Myrrh 125 

My  special  mode  of  chemical  treatment 
with  plants 385 

Nabulus  albus 115 

Narcotics 28 

Narrow-leaf  Virginia  thyme 126 

Nasal  douche  apparatus 2G4 

Nepenthes  distillat<OTa 18 

Nepeta  citriodura 41 


INDEX. 


499 


PAGE 

Nepeta  plechoma 34 

Nephritis 2% 

Nerve  root Ill 

NpHeaf  plantain 127 

Nettle 13,  120 

"     rash 227 

Neuralgia 308 

"      of  the  heart 280 

Neurus  17 

New  Jersey  tea 143 

Nightshade,  deadly 45 

"            garden 128 

Noah's  ark Ill 

Noli  me  tangere 322 

Norway  pine 128 

Nose  bleed 16fi 

Nurses  and  nursing 201) 

Nursing  sore  mouth 2:^3 

Nutritive  fluids 205 

Nux  vomica 128 

Oak,  black 129 

"     dyer's i:iO 

"     red 129 

"     white 129 

Oesophagitis 235 

Oidium  abortifaciens 85 

Oil-nut 162 

Oil  of  stiUingia 155 

Oils ..     29 

Ointments 30 

Old  age,  or  longevity 193 

"  field  balsam 130 

"  man's  beard 130 

One-berry 133 

Ophthalmia,  catarrhal 343 

"  purulent 343 

"  scrofulous 344 

Opisthotonos 315 

Opium 131 

( )pneme 259 

( )rach  root 21 

( (range  whey 204 

Orchitis 354 

Jrobanche  Virginiana 59 

Osmunda  cinnamomea 87 

"         regalis 87 

Otalgia 345 

Ova-ova 47 

Oxalis  acetoseU  1 153 

Ox  balm 150 

"  eye  daisy SO 

Ozaeaa. 263 


PAGE 

Palpitation  of  the  heart    279 

Palry 315 

ranado, 203 

Panakeia 4 

Panay 35 

Papaver  somnif  erum 131 

Papoose  root 133 

Papulous  scale 320 

Paracelsus 6 

Paralysis 315 

Paraplegia 316 

Pareira  bra  va 132 

Paronychia 337 

Parotitis 2:35 

Partridge  berry 133 

Parsley 132 

Paulus. 5 

Pear  leaf  wintergreen 146 

Pearl  flowered  life  everlasting 131 

Pelosin 132 

Pemphigus 319 

Pennyroyal 134 

"         European 134 

Peonia  officinalis. .  .• 134 

Peony 134 

Pericarditis 280 

Peritonitis 253 

Pernicious  fever 218 

Pernio 339 

Pertussis 310 

Peruvian  bark 67 

"        balsam 135 

Petroselinum  sativum 132 

Pharmaceutical  preparations 29 

Pharyngitis 234 

Philosophy  of  Generation 441 

Phlebitis 285 

Phlegmasia  dolens 286 

Phthisis 272 

Physical  and  mental  development 186 

Phytolacca  decandra 137 

Phytolaccin 138 

Picraenia  excelsa 140 

Pigeon  berry 137 

PUes 256 

Pills 29 

Pimpinella  anisum 38 

Pinkroot 135 

Piper  angustif olium 122 

"     cubeba 79 

Pipsissewa 136 

Pityriasis 322 

Plants,  their  collection  and  preservation,  169 
Plasters. 39 


500 


INDEX, 


PAGE 

Plenrisy 2G9 

root 14, 136 

ricuro^ithotcnos. 315 

Pninimatics,  The 5 

Pnonmonia 2G7 

Poilaliriiis 4 

Podoiihyllin 121 

Podoiihyllum  peltatum 12'1 

Poison  ash 130 

Poisoning  by  aci<ls 453 

"         "    alkalies 450 

"         "    antimony 453 

•         "    arsenic 453 

♦'         "    bismuth 454 

•'         "   copper 454 

"         "    fish 458 

♦*         "   gold 454 

•'         "    insects 458 

"         "    iodine 454 

"         "    iron 454 

"         "    lead 455 

"  "    mercury 455 

"         "   opium 457 

"         "   phosphorus' 455 

"         "    plants  or  seeds 457 

"         '•   prussic  acid. 456 

"  "    serpents 458 

"         "    silver 455 

"         "   strychnine 457 

"         "   tin 455 

"         "   volatile  oils 456 

"         "    zinc 456 

Poisons  and  their  antidotes 452 

Poke    137 

Polecat  weed 152 

Polytrala  senega 151 

Polygiiniy 400 

I'olygonum  punctatum 163 

rolypodiuiii  vulgare 87 

Polytrichium  juniperum 44 

Pomegmnate 138 

Pond  dogwood 96 

T'-l-py 131 

Populin. 159 

PupaluB  bolsamifera 158 

"      candicans 158 

"      tremuloides 159 

J''ofcntUla  canadensis 08 

*'  pamilla 68 

"  simplex 68 

"  tonnentilla 09 

Pott's  curvature  of  the  spine iSU 

Powdei'8 29 

Prairie  hyssop 126 


PAGE 

Prasagoras  of  Cos 5 

Pregnancy 364 

•'  and  its  accidents 364 

Preservation  of  the  health  of  the  sexual 

oigans 403 

Prevention  of  Croup 267 

"  "  epidemic  diseases 3S2 

Prickly  ash 138 

"  southern 139 

Pride  of  China 45 

"     weed 57 

Prince's  feather 37 

"      pine 136 

Prinos  vertioillatus 34 

Privet 139 

Privy  prim 139 

Prolapsus  of  the  rectum 255 

uteri 362 

Prostatitis 354 

Pnmella  vulgaris 35 

Prunus  lauro-cerasus y . .     65 

Pruritis 324 

Psoriasis .i. .  321 

Psychodiaria 326 

Ptelca  trifoliata 162 

Ptelein 162 

Pterocarpus  marsupium 109 

Ptolemies,  The 5 

Puerperal  fever 367 

Pulmonaria  officinalis... 117 

Pulsatilla 37 

Pulque 64 

Punica  granatum 138 

Purple  avens 66 

Purpura 229 

"      hemorrhagica 230 

Purrhee  morlii 254 

Purulent  ojjhthalmia 343 

Putrid  fever 220 

Pycanthemum  aristatum 126 

"  incanum 126 

"  pilosum 126 

"  Virginicum 126 

Pyrethnim  partheuium 89 

Pyrola 146 

"      rotundifolia  146 

"      round  leaved 146 

Pyi-osis 238 

Quassia 140 

"      amara  140 

Queen  of  the  meadow 140 

Queen's  delight 155 

"        root 155 


INDEX. 


501 


PAGE 

Quercns  alba 129 

"        inf  ectcria 130 

"         rubra 129 

"         tinctoria 129 

Questions  to  invalids 390 

Quinine 68 

Quinquino 135 

Quinsy 234 

Eaccoon  berry 120 

Eaggred  cup 141 

Eagwort 114 

Kanunculua  bulbosus 79 

Eattle  bush 141 

"     root 51 

Rattlesnake  root 115 

"           weed 127 

Eattlesnake's  master 86 

Eeoipea 460 

Eed  cock's  comb 37 

"  oak 129 

"  puccoon 54 

"  raspberry 142 

"  root 143 

Eefreshing  drink  in  fevers 201 

Eegulatiag  the  passions 199 

Relaxation  of  the  abdominal  muscles. . .  370 

Remittent  fever 217 

Renovating  Pills 473 

Eestorative  Assimilant 409 

Eetention  of  the  menses 359 

Rhatany 143 

Eheumatism 331 

"           root 144 

Eheum  palmatum 144 

Rhubarb 144 

Rhus  giabrum 156 

Rich  weed 127,  156 

Kice 202 

"    gruel 202 

"    jeUy 201 

"    water 201 

Ring  worm 318 

Eobin's  r.      44 

Eock  polypody 87 

"     rose 90 

Eosemary 145 

Roseola 228 

Rose  pink 63 

"     rash 228 

Rosin-weed 141 

Rosmarinus  ofBcinalis 145 

Round  leaved  pyrola 146 

Bubia  tinctorium 118 


PAGE 

Rubefacients 28 

Rubeola 225 

Rubus  strigosus 142 

"      triviaUs 143 

"     villosus 143 

Eumex  acetosa 154 

"      acetosella 154 

"      aquations 82 

"      Brittanicus 82 

"      crispus 81 

"      obtusifolius 82 

"      vesicarius 154 

Rupia 320 

Rupture 340 

Sabbatia  angularis 63 

Safflower 146 

Saffron,  bastard 146 

"       dyer's 146 

Sage 147 

"    the  Coan 4 

"    tea 201 

Sago  gruel 202 

St.  Ipnatius's  bean 147 

St.  John's  wort 148 

St.  Vitus'  dance 314 

Salacin .  159 

Salseparin 149 

Salt-rheum  weed 41 

Salvia  ofRcinalis 147 

Sambucus  Canadensis 84 

Sampson  snake-weed 94 

Sangutnaria  Canadensis 54 

Sanicle 148 

Sanicula  Marilandica 148 

Santonine 165 

Saponaria  offlcinaUs 152 

Saponin 153 

Sareoptis  hominis 318 

Sarracenla 20 

Sa-sapariUa 149 

.'  assaf  ras  150 

Saturates 29 

Satureja  hortensis 150 

"  montana 150 

Satyriasis 353 

Savory,  s"-mmer 150 

"       winter 150 

Scabies 318 

Scalled  head 324 

Scarlatina 226 

Scarlet  fever 2?" 

Sciatica 308 

Scoke 187 


502 


INDEX. 


PAGE 

R-nrbntns 287 

Scrofula 257 

"       weed 127 

Scrofulous  ophthalmia 344 

Scrophularia  lanccolata 90 

"  Marilandica 80 

"  nodosa 89 

Scull  cap 150 

Scutellaria  latTiflora 150 

Scurvy 2S7 

Sea-wTack 124 

Sccale  cornutum 85 

Sedatives 28 

Sempervivum  tcctonim 105 

Seneca  snakeroot 151 

Senecio  aureus 114 

Seneka 151 

Sen.sitive  plant 20 

Sep^f  oil 69 

Serpents'  tongue 3.3 

Sheep  laurel 58 

ShinRles 318 

Shin-leaf    l.j(5 

Ship  fever 220 

Shrubby  trefoil Kjo 

SialagoKues 28 

Sida 20 

Side  flowerinfr  scull  cap 150 

Sidesaddle  flower 20 

Silphium  pnmmiferum 141 

"        lacianatuin 21,  141 

"        pcrfoliatum  141 

Silver  leaf I55 

Simaba  cc<lron 61 

Simpler's  joy 49 

Sippets 204 

Skin  diRca.scs 317 

Skunk  cabbage I50 

"     weed 152 

Sleep 184 

Slipi>ery  elm  jelly 205 

Small  cleavers 69 

Small-pox 224 

"         confluent 224 

"         malignant 224 

Smart  weed jjy^ 

Smilax  China j.!;) 

"      ofncinalia 140 


media 


149 


papjTncea J41) 

"      Barsaparllla 1 49 

"      Fyphilitica j.)9 

Btiuit  rye cr 

Bnake  bead ^ 


PAGE 

Snapping  hazlcnnt 99 

Sneeze  wort 166 

Snowberry 68 

Soap  wort 152 

Social  status  of  the  sexual  organs 400 

Solanum  dulcamara 48 

"        nigrum 128 

Soldier's  herb 122 

Si"lomon's  seal 153 

Sore  nipples 369 

Sorrel,  garden 154 

"      salts  of 154 

"      sheep 154 

"      wood 153 

South  American  agave 64 

Spanish  needles 158 

Spasms  of  the  glottis 310 

"        "       stomach 237 

Spermatorrhoea  or  General  Debility 350 

"  hidden \..  350 

Spigelia  Marilandica \..  135 

Spigeliin ^. .  136 

Spindle  tree 57 

Splenitis 245 

Spoon  wood 58 

Spotted  alder 99 

"      gera  uum 77 

Square  stalk 89 

Squaw  mint 134 

"      root 51,132 

"      vine 138 

"      weed 114 

Squirting  cucumber 154 

Staggcrweed 160 

Standard  fluid  extracts 475 

"        herbal  remedies 469 

Star  grass 155 

Stavesacre 113 

Stellaria  media 66 

Sterelmintha 326 

Sterility 4:33 

Stickle  wort 33 

StiUingia 155 

"        oil  of 155 

"         sylvatica 155 

Stimulants 28 

Stingless  nettle 127 

Stinkweed 108 

Stomatitis 23-i 

"         follicular 233 

Stone  in  the  bladder. 297 

Stoncroot 155 

Stricture  of  the  urethra. 353 

Strychnine 129 


rSDEX. 


503 


PAGE 

Strj-cbnos  nux  vomica 128 

Stye 344 

Sumach 15<J 

Siiitimer  complaint 253 

.Sunstroke 303 

Suppression  of  menses 359 

"  of  urine 298 

Swamp  beggar's  tick 157 

"      dogwood 162 

"      hellebore , 100 

"      sassafras ■ 119 

Sweet/scented  Ufe  everlasting 130 

"    gum 158 

"    magnolia 119 

Swelled  testicle 354 

Symphytum  officinale TS 

Symplocarpus  foetidus 152 

SyphiUs 347 

Syrups 29 

Tabes  mesenterica 259 

Table,  dose 31 

Tacamahac 158 

Tacamahaca 158 

Ta;nia  lata 251 

"    solium 250 

Tseniin Ill 

Tag  alder 3(5 

Tall  speedwell 53 

Tanacetum  vulgare 159 

Tansy 150 

Tape  worm 250 

Tapioca  jelly 201 

Teething 330 

Terra  japonica 61 

Tetanus 315 

Tetter  318 

"      wort 62 

The  basis  of  a  happy  marriage 410 

"  conduct  of  a  case  of  labor 371 

"  external  organs 347 

"   internal  organs 398 

"  semen 396 

"  sick-room 207 

"  philosophy  of  the  sexes 394 

"  proper  care  of  children 328 

"   treatment  in  accidents ■ 374 

Theomania 304 

Things  for  the  sick-room 201 

Thorn  apple 108 

Thoroughwort  ..  52 

Thousand  seal 166 

Throat  root 66 

Thrush 233 

Thyme 159 


PAGE 

Thymus  vulgare .....  159 

"        serpyllus 16C 

Tic  douleuroux 308 

Tickweed 134 

Tinctures 29 

Tinea  favosa 324 

325 

202 

Tolu IGO 

Tonics 28 

Tonsillitis 2:U 

Toothache  bush 138 

Trichiniasis 327 

Tricocephalus  dispar 260 

Trilline 46 

Trillium  pendulum 46 

Trismus 315 

Troches 30 

Trumpet  weed 140 

Tuber  root 1.36 

Turkey  corn 160 

Turmeric  root 96 

Turnhoof 34 

Turtlebloom 41 

Tussilago  farfara 73 

Twin-leaf 144 

TyphilitiB 247 

Typhoid  fever 222 

Typhus      "     220 

Ulceration  of  the  womb 362 

Ulcers 337 

Umbel Ill 

Uncaria  gambir 93 

Unguenta 30 

Unicorn  root 155 

Upland  cranberry 43 

Ursin 44 

Urtica  diocia 126 

"      paniiUa 127 

"     urens 127 

Uterine  dropsy 363 

Uva  ursi 43 

Vaginitis 357 

Valerian 161 

' '        American 111 

"        false 114 

"        great  wild ;]61 

Valeriana  officinalis 161 

Valerianic  acid 161 

Valvular  disease  of  the  heart 2S1 

Vanilla 101 

Vanilla  aromatica 161 

Vftricellu S26 


504 


INDEX. 


PAOE 

Varicocele 355 

Varicose  veins 285 

Variola 224 

Varioloid 225 

Vegetable  poisons 457 

'•          soup 204 

Velvet  leaf 1^2 

Venice  turpentine 112 

Venomous  insects 450 

Veratrum  viride 100 

Verbascum  thapsus 125 

Verbena  hastata 49 

Vcrnonia  fasciculata lOG 

Viburnine 76 

Viburnum  opulus 76 

Vicarious  menstruation 360 

Vinegars 29 

Vine  maple 167 

Virginia  creeper 107 

"        mouse-ear 104 

Vulnus 374 

Vulvitis 356 

Wafer-ash 162 

Wahoo 57 

Wake  robin 46,  83 

Walnut,  black 163 

"       white 162 

Warts 323 

Washerwoman's  scall 322 

Water  avens 66 

"      brash 238 

"     dock 82 

"     gruel a02,  207 

"      pepper 163 

"     plantain 118 

Waters     29 

Watery  blebs 319 

Wax  myrtle 42 

Weights  and  measures 30 

White  avens 66 

"     balsam 130 

"     bay 119 

"    lettuce 115 

"     oak 129 

"     poplar 159 

"     swelling 332 

"     weed 80 

Whites 361 

Whitlow 337 

Whooping  cough.   310 

Wild  basil lap 

"    hyssop 4!) 

"    indigo 141 

Wild  jftiap laa 


PACB 

Wiid  jessamine 93 

"    lemon 120 

"    mandrake 120 

"    nard 39 

"    potato 122 

"    senna 60 

"    snowball 143 

"    thj'me 160 

"    tobacco 116 

"    turkey  pea 160 

"    wood  vine 107 

"    yam 165 

Windroot 136 

Wines 30 

Wingseed 162 

Winter  berry 34 

"      bloom 99 

"      clover 133 

"      green '.  -. 136 

"  "    pear-leaf ^.....^...  146 

"  "    savory .•*....  150 

Witch  hazel i. . .     99 

Wolfsbane 123 

Womb,  anteflexion  of 363 

"      anteversion  of 363 

"      dropsy  of 363 

"      falling  of 362 

"      inversion  of 363 

'•      retroflexion  of 363 

"      retroversion  of 363 

"      ulceration  of 362 

Woodbine 93,  107 

Woodland  Balm 473 

Woody  nightshade 48 

World,  the  Herbal 8 

Worm  grass 135 

"      seed 164 

"     wood 164 

Worms 250 

Wounds 374 

Xantborrhiza  apiifolia 168 

Xanthoxyline  139 

Xanthoxylum  fraxineum 138 

Yarrow 166 

Yaw  root 155 

Yellow  dock 81 

"       fever 219 

"      jessamine 93 

"      moccasin  flower Ill 

"      pariUa 167 

"       puccoon 96 

"       root 168 

••      wood. 188 


AA    000  353  196 


